
Class hit . 



Book, rz.&]££_ 



PRESENTED HY 






^ PROCEEDINGS, 



CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS, 



LIST OF MEMBERS, &c. 



OF THE 



| SURVEYORS' ASSOCIATION 



OF 



West New Jersey. 






fL 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 



& 



CAMDEN, N. J. : 

S. CHEW, STEAM-POWER PRINTER, 13 MARKET STREET. 

1870. 





PROCEEDINGS, 

CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS, 

&Z4 



&£ 
LIST OF MEMBERS, &c. 



OF THE 



SURVEYORS' ASSOCIATION 



OF 



West New Jersey. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 



CAMDEN, N. J. : 

8. CHEW, STEAM-POWER PRINTER, 13 MARKET STREET 

1870. 






BATES O F 

SURVEYING AND CONVEYANCING. 



For Surveying (per day) 

For Mapping and Calculations, (per day; 

For Selling Real Estate, 

For Selling Personal Property, wood 

lots, &c, without guarantee, . 
All incidental expenses extra. 
For Drawing a common Deed, 
For " " Mortgage, . 

For " " Bond, . 

For taking an Acknowledgment, 



\Hli3t' 
10 



. 




$5 00 






5 00 


1 


per 


cent. 


3 


per 


cent. 

$1 50 

1 50 

50 


% 




50 



LIST OF MEMBERS. 



William Parry, 

Clayton Lippincott, 
Franklin W. Earl, 
James Lippincott, 
William Collins, 
Emmor Roberts, 
William Dyer, 
Henry J. Irick, 
William R. Braddock, 
Samuel S. Downs, 
Samuel Chambers, 
Joshua Earl, 
Howard White, 
Barclay White, 
George Sykes, 
Isaac Jennings, 
Maja B. Mathias, 
W. H. B. Thomas, 
I. Simpson Africa, 
Josiah F. Peacock, 
George E. Gaskill, 
George H. Harker, 
Freedom C. Lippincott, 
James Wills, 
John Gardiner, 
Jacob L. Rowand, 
Ezra Stokes, 
Samuel P. Chew, 
John F. Bodine, 



Cinnaminson, 

Moorestown, 

Pemberton, 

Mount Holly, 

Moorestown, 

Fellowship, 

Medford, 

Vincentown, 

Medford, 

Tuckerton, 

Mount Holly, 

Pemberton, 

Juliastown, 

Juliastown, 

Sykes ville, 

Tuckerton, 

New Gretna, 

Mount Holly, 

Atsion, 

Medford,. 

Mount Holly, 

Wrightstown, 

Marlton, 

Marl ton, 

Mount Laurel, 

Haddonfield, 

Berlin, 

Chew's Landing, 

Williamstown, 



Burlington County. 



Camden County. 



LIST OF MEMBERS— Continued. 



John Clement, 
Daniel L. Pino, 
Jacob ]f. Yocum, 
John C. Smallwood, 
William Haines, 
Naaman W. Haines, 
Benjamin F. MeCollister, 
Job S. Haines, 
William Arratt, 
Ambrose Whitaker, 
George R. Morrisson, 
William M. Cawley, 
Robert M. Hitch nor, 
William House, 
Belford M. Bonham, 
Belford E. Davis, 
John II. Doughty, 
Simeon Cook, 
George W. Hancock, 



Haddonfield, 

Camden, 

Camden, 

Woodbury, 

( larksboro, 

Swedesboro, 

Swedesboro, 

Clarksboro, 

Glassboro, 

Upper Pittsgrove, 

Salem, 

Woodstown, 

Elmer, 

Salem, 

Roadstown, 

Shiloh, 

Absecon, 

Blairstown, 



Camden County. 



Gloucester County. 



Salem County. 



Cumberland County. 

Atlantic County. 
Warren County. 



35th street and Lancaster Ave., Phila. 



PRELIMINARY. 



By invitation extended to a few Practical Surveyors of the 
Counties of Burlington and Camden, a meeting was held at Mount 
Holly, N. J., on Tuesday the 15th of December, 1863, at which time 
William R. Braddock, William Parry, Franklin W. Earl, James 
Lippincott, William Dyer and Henry J. Irick of Burlington County, 
and John Clement, of Camden County, were present. 

It being suggested that a society of Practical Surveyors be es- 
tablished, William Parry was appointed Chairman, and H^nry J. 
Irick, Secretary. - 

After an interchange of opinions, it was Resolved, — That this 
meeting adjourn to meet at English's Hotel, in Camden City, on 
Saturday the 2d day of January, A. D. 1861, at 10 o'clock, A. M., 
and that Franklin W. Earl, James Lippincott and John Clement, 
be a committee to report a Constitution and By-Laws for such 
Society, to be submitted to said adjourned meeting. 

Resolved, That an invitation be forwarded to the several Practical 
Surveyors of AVest New Jersey, to attend the same. 

The following paper was received and read from Amos Bullock : 

Mount Holly, January 1st, 1864. 

I have received a notice of a meeting of the Surveyors of West 
Jersey, held at Mount Holly, December loth, 1863, containing an 
invitation to attend another meeting to be held at English's Hotel, 
Camden, on the Second of January. Did my health permit, and 
my hearing enable me to understandingly take part in such discus- 
sions as may be had upon the subjects proposed to be considered, I 
should certainly meet with you ; but as there is no prospect of such 
being the case, I feel enough interested to endeavor to aid as far as 
I am able, and to give you in writing, some of the views on this 
subject that have claimed my attention for the last forty years. 

Some fifteen or twenty years since, I attempted to engage the 
attention of the Practical Surveyors in the manner now proposed, 
but failed to find them at that time prepared to act, and no advan- 
tage arose from the attempt. 



I suppose that one of the subjects that will claim your considera- 
tion is, that .Surveyors may receive for their labor a fair compensa- 
tion, which any customary price that I have known does not give 
them. Your united action on this may greatly aid their being more 
suitably recompensed. 

The difficulties experienced in the practical branch of the subject, 
in tracing old lines, and in which not only the Surveyors, but the 
community at large are deeply interested, will, 1 doubt not, claim 
and receive your serious consideration, to see whether there cannot 
be devised some method by which this difficulty shall be much 
abated, if not in the progress of time wholly removed. I suppose 
it will be admitted by all Surveyors, that much the larger portion 
of these difficulties arises from the angles of the survey, referring 
to the magnelical meridian, which is constantly changing its 
place, and not in a constant ratio, rendering it difficult, if not in 
many cases impossible, to know what variation of the needle should 
be allowed. 

In my intercourse with a number of eminent mathematicians of 
our country, I have discussed this subject, have found them 
uniformly of one mind, that surveyors should return the angle of a 
true meridian line, instead of the magnetical one, which would give 
a constant angle instead of a variable one. 

This, to make it effective, I am aware, would require the action of 
the Legislature, and much care and deliberation be necessary in the 
framing a law that should carry the subject out in such a way that 
the community at large would be benefitted by it. I believe with 
proper care, it may in time be accomplished, and hope you will 
take such action as shall give this part of the subject full and 
carefiul consideration. Yours, &c, 

AMOS BULLOCK, M. 1). 

P. S. The law passed by our last Legislature, relative to meri- 
dian lines, in my view, can afford no relief even if carried out. 
Much more will be necessary to make it advantageous to the com- 
munity, or afford relief to the Surveyor. A. B. 



January 2d, 1864. 

Pursuant to a general invitation to the Practical Surveyors of West 
New Jersey, to meet at the time and place in said notice specified, 
William B. Braddock, Franklin W. Earl, William Parry, James 
Lippincott, Samuel S. Downs, William Dyer and Clayton Lippin- 
cott, of Burlington County, Jacob L. Bowand, John J. Sickler, 
Ezra Stokes and John Clement, of Camden County, John H. 
Doughty, of Atlantic County, George B. Morrison and Ambrose 
Whftaker, of Salem County, Belford M. Bonham and Belford E. 
Davis, of Cumberland County, met at the West Jersey Hotel, 
Camden City, N. J. 

The meeting was organized by the selection of William Parry, as 
Chairman, and John Clement, Secretary. 

The committee appointed at the previous meeting, reported a 
Constitution and By-Laws, which after some amendments and 
additions, were adopted, and a Society established with the title of 
" The Association op Practical Surveyors of AVest New 
Jersey." 



V I{ B A l\\\ h E 



Viewing the surveying, laying out and dividing of land, the 
settlement of boundaries and monuments, and the conveying, 
transferring and assigning of real estate in a proper and legal 
manner, as giving stability and value to property, in the doing of 
which Practical Surveyors largely participate ; and, believing that 
a means of discussion and interchange of opinions among this class 
of men would lead to good results ; we, the undersigned, do hereby 
form and establish a society, to be called "The Association of 
Practical Surveyors of West New Jersey." 

That the objects and purposes of this Association are to discuss all 
matters pertaining to practical surveying and conveyancing; to 
exchange and compare sentiments and opinions that may advance 
and develope the science, and adopt such measures, rules and regula- 
tions as will secure these advantages to the Association. 



CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. 

The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, three- 
Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, all of whom shall be 
elected by ballot, at the annual meeting on the first Tuesday in 
January in each year, and hold their respective offices until others 
are elected. 

ARTICLE II. 

Any Practical Surveyor in the District of West New Jersey shall 
be eligible as a member of this Association, upon being elected by a 
majority of the members present at any stated meeting of said 
Association, at the time of such election. 

ARTICLE III. 

Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. 

ARTICLE IV. 

The Constitution and By-Laws may be altered or amended by a 
vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting, 
notice in writing of the said proposed alteration or amendment, 
having been given at any previous meeting. 



BY-LAWS 



ARTICLE I. 

The President shall have a general superintendence of all the 
affairs of the Association, preside at its meetings, and appoint all 
committees, unless otherwise directed. 

ARTICLE II. 

The Secretary shall keep correct minutes of all proceedings at the 
business meetings, and report the same at the next stated meeting, 
and give notice to members of the meetings of the Association. 

ARTICLE III. 

The Treasurer shall receive, keep, and account for all moneys that 
may come into his hands, and report at every stated meeting of the 
Association of his accounts, and the receipts and disbursements of 

the same. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Every person on becoming a member of this Association, shall 
pay one dollar to the Treasurer, and shall pay such sums of money 
thereafter as may be assessed upon him, for the expenses of said 

Association. 

ARTICLE V. 

The order of business shall be as follows : 

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting. 

2. Roll call and collection of dues. 

3. Nomination and election of new members. 

4. Reports of Officers and Committees. 

5. Unfinished business of former meetings. 

6. New business. 
1. Elections. 

ARTICLE VI. 

All papers read before the Association shall be preserved and re- 
corded by the Secretary in a book to be procured for that purpose, 
and all Rules and Regulations adopted by the same shall be recorded 
and filed. 



12 



ARTICLE VII. 

That discussions before the Association shall consist in matters 
pertaining to the best means of securing accurate measurement to 
land; the use of instruments; their objections and advantages; length 
of chain ; its construction and application ; the variation of the 
needle, diurnal and annual: local attraction, how avoided and over- 
come ; the preservation of Surveyors' marks on line trees ; their 
age, and proper manner of counting the age of said marks ; and all 
other things touching the business of a Practical Surveyor. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

That each Surveyor be requested to report his "mark" to the 
Association, and that the same be recorded; and that the marks of 
ancient Surveyors be procured and recorded. 

ARTICLE IX. 

There shall be a Standing Committee of four, elected at the first 
annual meeting, two of whom shall hold office for one year, the 
others for two years, (so that two new members shall be elected 
every year,) who, together with the President, shall examine the 
qualifications of members who apply for a certificate, and if found 
capable, issue a certificate in the name of the Association, signed by 
the President and Secretary to them. 

ARTICLE X. 

The first annual meeting of the Association shall be held on the 
first Tuesday of January, Anno Domini, eighteen hundred and six- 
ty-five, (I860,) and of each year thereafter on said day, at Camden 
City, Camden County, New Jersey, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of 
said day. In elections, a majority of the members voting shall be 
necessary to a choice. 

ARTICLE XL 

The Association will hold its stated meetingson thesecond Tuesday 
of August in each year, at such place as the Association may direct 
at the annual meeting next preceding such stated meeting, and 
the President shall have authority to call special meetings whenever 
so requested in writing by three members of the Association. 



Proceedings of the Society. 



" The Association of Practical Surveyors of West New Jersey." — 

Upon an election held for officers, the following persons were 
selected : William Parry, President; Clay ton Lippincott, Treasurer; 
John Clement, Secretary ; George R. Morrison, William R. Brad- 
dock, Jacob L. Rowand, Vice Presidents; Clayton Lippincott, 
Jacob L. Rowand, [one year,] John H. Doughty, John C. Small- 
wood, [two years,] Standing Committee. 

On motion, Franklin W. Earl, Ezra Stokes, and James Lippin- 
cott, were appointed a committee to fix upon the price of surveying 
and conveyancing. 

On motion, adjourned to meet at the same place, on Monday, the 
18th inst., at 10 A. M. 

Adjourned. JOHN CLEMENT, Secretary. 



January I8th, 1804. 

The society met pursuant to adjournment ; Hon. William Parry, 
President, in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read 
and approved. 

The committee to fix compensation for surveying and convey- 
ancing, reported as follows : 

Surveying, (per day,) $ 5.00 

Mapping, (per day,) 5.00 

For selling real estate, one per cent 

For selling personal property, 1 

wood lots, &c, without guarantee. > 3 per cent. 

All incidental expenses extra. J 

Deed, (ordinary size,) $ 1.50 

Mortgage, " " 1.50 

Bond, 50 

Acknowledgment, 50 



14 

The society ordered the next stated meeting to be held at Camden 
City, on Tuesday, the 9th of August, at 10 A. M. 

Resolved, That the secretary have the constitution and by-laws 
printed in pamphlet form. 

Resolved, That the discussion before the next stated meeting, be 
" The variation of the Needle." 

The question of the " True Meridan" being canvassed, it was 

Resolved, That "William Parry, Esq., be a committee to examine 
the law now before the legislature of New Jersey, to establish the 
same, and if by him deemed expedient, to call a special meeting of 
this association to obtain the opinion of the same thereon. 



Surveyors' Marks 



The following named gentlemen, reported their " marks." 

William Parry, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks below 
the same. 

Clayton Lippincott, a blaze with two hacks above and one hack 
below the same. 

Franklin W. Earl, a blaze with two hacks above and three below 
the same. 

James Lippincott, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

William Collins, a blaze with two hacks below the same. 

Emmor Roberts, a blaze with one hack above and one hack below 
the same. 

William Dyer, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks below 
the same. 

John Clement, a blaze with two hacks above and three below the 
same. 

John J. Sickler, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks below 
the same. 

Ezra Stokes, a blaze with one hack above and one hack below 
the same, and one hack in the blaze. 

Bel ford M. Bonham, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Belford E. Davis, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Ambrose Whitecar, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

John C. Smallwood, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks 
below the same. 

William Haines, a blaze with two hacks above and one hack be- 
low the same. 

William M. Cawley, a blaze with one hack above and two below 
the same. 

Henry J. Irick, a blaze with three hacks below and two hacks in 
the same. 

Samuel P. Chew, a blaze with one hack above and one hack 
below the same. 



16 

Jacob L. Rowand, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks 
below the same. 

Joshua Earl, a blaze with one hack below the same. 

Naaman Haines, a blaze with one hack above the same. 

David B. Somers, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

John C. Abbott, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Samuel Wills, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

James Wills, a blaze with one hack in the same. 

John Gardiner, a blaze with two hacks in the same. 

Freedom C. Lippincott, a blaze with two hacks above the same. 

Simeon Cook, a blaze with two hacks above and one below the 
same. 

Maja B. Mathias, a blaze with one hack above and one hack 
below the same. 

Robert B. Hitchner, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks 
below the same. 

Georgo \Y. Hancock, two blazes with a hack above and below 
each. 

Barclay White, a blaze with one hack above, one hack in, and 
one hack below 7 the same. 

Howard AVhite, a blaze with one hack in and two hacks below 
the same. 

George E. Gaskill, a blaze with one hack below the same. 

Josiah E. Peacock, a blaze with one hack above and three hacks 
below the same. 

William Arratt, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

William House, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

George H. Harker, a blaze with one hack above, two hacks in, 
and two hacks below the same. 

Daniel L. Pine, a blaze. 

Job S. Haines, a blaze with four hacks below the same. 

George Sykes, a blaze with one hack above, one in, and two hacks 
below the same. 

Edward Brinley, a blaze with two hacks above and one hack 
below the same. 

Samuel J. Osborn, a blaze with two hacks above and one hack 
below the same. 

David J. C. Rogers, a blaze with two hacks above and one hack 
below the same. 



17 



Marks of Practical Surveyors 



NOW DECEASED. 



William Sharp, a blaze with one hack above and one below the 
same. 

John Clement, a blaze with two hacks above and three hacks 
below the same. 

Charles H. French, a blaze with one hack above and one below 
the same. 

Joshua S. Earl, a blaze with two hacks above and three hacks 
below the same. 

George Mickle, a blaze with two hacks above and two hacks be- 
low the same. 

William Irick, (the elder), a blaze with three hacks below the 
same. 

Job Irick, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Samuel Cawley, a blaze with two hacks above and three hacks 
below the same. 

William White, a blaze with four hacks below the same. 
' Samuel White, a blaze with two hacks above aud three hacks 
below the same. 

Joseph Risley, a blaze with three hacks above and three hacks 
below the same. 

Isaac Hinchman, a blaze with two hacks above and two hacks 
below the same. 

Gervas Pharo, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

John S. Smith, a blaze with one hack above, one in, and two 
hacks below the same. 

Samuel Emley,a blaze with one hack above and two hacks below 
the same. 

Thomas De Bow, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks 
below the same. 

James P. Disbrow, a blaze with two hacks above and two hacks 
below the same. 

Francis W. Brinley, (Surveyor General of East Jersey), a blaze 
with two hacks above and one below the same. 

Daniel Wills, a blaze with two hacks above and two hacks below 
the same. 
2* 



18 

Richard Somers, a blaze with one hack above and one hack below 
the same. 

Barker Cole, a blaze with one hack above and two hacks below 
the same. 

John Steel man, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Daniel Baker, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Matthew Collins, a blaze with three hacks below the same. 

Thomas Thackara, a blaze with two hacks above and two hacks 
below the same. 

Benjamin C. Downs, a blaze with two hacks below the same. 



19 



August 9th, 1864. 

The Society met pursuant to adjournment, William Parry, Esq. r 
in the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

John C. Smallwood and William Haines, of Gloucester County, 
and John W. Downs, of Camden County, were elected members. 

Mr. Parry, reported upon the duties imposed upon him, concern- 
ing the " Meridian Line," the law of 1863 being so amended as to be 
practical and beneficial to surveyors. 



Meridian Lines, 

At the last session of the Legislature an act was passed requiring 
the proper authorities of each county to erect a pillar or monument, 
on which should be marked the true meridian line, and prescribing 
penalties to be inflicted upon any person who should mutilate such 
monument. A defect in this law was that no penalties were inflicted 
upon surveyors and others who disregarded it ; as a natural conse- 
quence, the law has been nearly a dead letter. This has caused 
much complaint, and there has been quite a general demand for an 
amendment to make the law more effective. 

Yesterday, (Tuesday) Mr. English, (who prepared the bill of last 
year) introduced a bill supplementary to the law of last year, and 
intended to remedy its defects, which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary. The first section of the bill provides that another 
pillar shall be erected in each county— one hundred feet distant from 
the pillar heretofore authorized— on which shall be placed a distinctly 
visible needle point ; the pillar to be protected by the same restric- 
tions and penalties as in the former law. 

The second section provides for the means of ascertaining the 
true meridian line, by the erection of a fair sight on the pillar first 
authorized, in such a manner that a straight line passing through 
the centre thereof, shall strike the centre of the needle point. 

Section three enacts that the Chosen Freeholders of each county 
shall provide and keep a standard measure of one rod in length by 
which Surveyors may test their chains. The fourth section requires 
the Freeholders to have the latitude and longitude (reckoning from 
Washington) of the pillar ascertained and marked on the pillar. 

The fifth section requires each Surveyor to return with his certifi- 
cate of any survey, a true statement of the variation from the true 
meridian of his compass at the time of making such survey, and to 



20 

deposit a opy of the same with the County Clerk, under a penalty 
©f $50. The sixth section fixes the fees of the Clerks of Counties. 

The bill strikes us as a good one and necessary, and we hope that 
it will be passed, Great trouble is caused at every term of the 
Court, by reason of the variation in surveys. The bill is calculated 
to prevent this in the future. 

Mr. Parry submitted a paper, showing the variation of the needle, 
in his own practice covering a space of some twenty years. 

Variation of Needle. 
Line for Jos. Harris, 

3d mo. 3d, 1843, bearing N. 34° 45' W. 
4th mo. 21st, 1864, N. 33° 30 / W. 

21 years' variation, 1° 15' 
Average 31 minutes per year. Surveyed both times by 

William Parry. 



Line run for Charles Jessup by John Evans, Surveyor, 
12th mo. 4th, 1835, N. 30° 05' E. 

3d mo. 28th, 1864, N. 37° 45' E. 

29 years' variation, 1° 40' 
Average 31 minutes per year. Surveyed last time by 

William Parry. 

Mr. Parry, presented Professor Cook's report to the Freeholders 
of Middlesex County, N. J., upon true Meridian Lines, which was 
read and ordered to be printed. 

REPORT OF PROFESSOR COOK UPON TRUE MERIDIAN 

LINES. 

To Ellas Boss, Esq., Director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of 

the County of Middlesex, State of New Jersey : 

Sir— In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Freehold- 
ers, passed May 12, 1863, 1 have established a True Meridian Line 
at the County Seat in New Brunswick. The law of the State 
required the erection "of a good and substantial pillar* upon whose 
summit there shall be firmly and immovably fixed a brass plate, 
in which shall be indented a line, indicating the true meridian, and 
to enclose and protect the same properly." This was carried 
out as follows: A granite post six feet long and one foot 
square, was set three feet in the ground and firmly fastened by 
means of stone-cutters' chips and hydraulic cement ; the upper 
part was cut so as to taper from one foot at the surface of the ground 
to seven inches at the top, where the stone was so cut away as to 
allow a circular brass plate seven inches in diameter with a descend- 



21 

ing flange of one and a half inches, to fit accurately upon it. The 
above mentioned brass plate was then fastened permanently upon 
the post by means of brass screws which were driven into holes 
drilled in the stone. The True Meridian was indented upon this 
plate. 

In order to make practical work of testing compasses by the line 
as simple as possible, a second granite post precisely like the first, 
and capped in a similar manner with a brass plate, was set upon 
the same meridian at a distance of 106 feet from the first post, care- 
fully adjusted in its place, and then fastened. 

To bring the compasses to be tested accurately upon the line, the 
centres of the two brass plates are fitted alike to receive screws ; the 
head of a compass staff without the ball is screwed into one of the 
plates ; and a slitted sighting piece into the other. The ball of the 
compass which is to be tested is fastened in the above mentioned 
staff-head, and the compass itself being placed en the ball, is 
accurately upon the line. The instrument is then turned so as to 
bring the other post and sighting piece exactly in range. The 
reading of the compass then is the right variatic a. To verify the 
correctness of the observation, the staff-head and sighting piece are 
made to change places, and a reverse bearing is taken. 

When not in use the staff-head and sighting piece are unscrewed, 
put in a case and deposited in the County Clerk's Office. The 
openings in the plates are closed by screws driven in by means of a 
key. The substantial post and plain brass plates are such as to he 
scarcely liable to injury if left entirely unprotected, but to save them 
from scratches or other injuries they have wooden covers over them. 

The line between these posts was, when the posts were set, true 
to within one minute of a degree; and as the movement of one of 
the posts an inch would involve an error of only three minutes, it is 
not apprehended that any unnoticed change affecting the usefulness 
of the line will be produced by frost or other ager 

The variation of the needle at 3 o'clock, P. M., on the 28th of 
September, 1S03, was G (}eg. 12 min. West, On the 10th (if October, 
1S04, at 3} o'clock, P. M., the variation was G d g. 12 min. 
On the 8th of February, 18G4, the variation at 9 o'clock, '. , was 

6 deg. 3 min. W., at 11 A. M., it was 6 cleg. 15 min. W., and at 4 
o'clock, P. M., it was 6 dcg. 5 min., W. From all th, mean 

variation at the beginning of 1864 may be put down at 6 deg. 10 
min. At other places within the State the variation may be a few 
minutes more or less than this. 

The officers of the U. S. Coast Survey have published tables of the 
variation of the needle at various places in the United States from 
the earliest known records down to 1860. Those for New York and 
Philadelphia, which are the nearest to our location, are as follows: 



22 
Variation in degrees and decimals of degrees. 



Date. 


N. York. 


Phila. 


Date. 


N. York. 


Phila. 


1680 


8.8 




1780 


4.4 


2.8 


1690 


8.7 




1790 


4.2 


2.2 


1700 


8.5 


8.8 


1800 


4.2 


2.0 


1710 


8. 


8.4 


1810 


4.3 


1.9 


1720 


7.6 


7.9 


1820 


4.7 


2.2 


1730 


7.0 


7.1 


1830 


5.16 


2.70 


1740 


6.4 


6.3 


1840 


5.73 


3.41 


1750 


5.8 


5.3 


1850 


6.37 


4.25 


1760 


5.2 


4.4 


1860 


7.01 


5.19 


1770 


4.7 


3.5 









The variation has been to the West ever since the settlement of 
this country. It was diminishing, however, at New York until 
1795, when it was 4 deg. 1 min., and at Philadelphia until 1805, 
when it was 1 deg. 9 min. Since those dates it has been increasing, 
the annual change being as follows : 

1840. 1850. 1860. 

New York, 3° 7 / 3° 9' 3° 8' 

Philada., 4° T 5° 3' 5° 4' 

If these facts were generally understood it would seem an easy 

matter for surveyors to make such comparisons, and records as 

would accurately define the boundaries of surveyed lands. But 

another and probably greater difficulty arises from mechanical 

defects in Surveyors' Compasses. While the same compass, if in 

good order, will in repeated trials indicate the same bearing within 

two or three minutes, it is found that different compasses will not 

give the same bearing even when new. A gentleman largely 

engaged in the manufacture and repair of surveying instruments, 

has at my request made some trials and sent me the results. From 

three new compasses of the best construction, he obtained the 

following : 

1st trial. 2d trial. 

No. 1, 15° 8 V 15° 8' 

•' 2, 15° 12 / 15° 14 / 

" 3, 15° 15' 15° 16 / 

Bearings taken with compasses that have been in use, differ still 
more widely. It is not uncommon to find differences of a degree 
or more. Jn mariners' compasses I am told that differences of from 
an eighth to a quarter of a point (1 deg. 24 min.— 2 deg. 49 min.) 
are not unusual. 

For both the variation of tl.e needle and the mechanical defects 

of the compass the "True Meridian" furnishes a proper correction. 

To render the law relating to the True Meridian effectual, some 



23 

further legislation is needed. It should be obligatory upon every 
Surveyor to annually test the compass he uses upon the county "true 
meridian," and to record with the minutes of his survey, in the 
deed or other writing, dates of the survey and of the variation of 
his compass. As the County Clerk has charge of the posts and 
apparatus for the lines, with authority to have the variation deter- 
mined from time to time, it would be useful to have the same officer 
keep a register of the compasses tested, with their variations. 

From the number of persons, including instrument makers, sur- 
veyors, navigators, and land owners, whom I have conversed with 
upon this subject, I have received but one opinion, and that was in 
favor of having the true meridian determined, and the use of it 
made obligatory. Respectfully yours, 

George IT. Cook. 

New Brunswick, N. J., Feb. 8th, 1864. 



The question selected for discussion, being in order, Mr. Bonham 
read an interesting and well digested paper, upon the subject of the 
variation of the needle, condensing the experience and observation 
of several scientific men, and practical surveyors, as well as his own 
observations in the use of the compass. 

It has been found by actual observation, that the magnetic and 
the geographical meridian do not generally coincide ; the difference 
between the directions of the two being called the variation of the 
compass. If this variation were a constant quantity, it would be 
of no practical importance to the Surveyor. A line run by the com- 
pass at one time could be retraced on the same bearing at any other. 
The variation is, however, subject to continued changes, — some of 
them having a period of many years, perhaps several centuries, 
others being annual and diurnal, and some accidental or temporary. 
From the time of the earliest observations made in this country on 
the position of the magnetic needle till about the commencement of 
the present century, the north point was gradually moving to the 
east. Since then the direction of its motion has been reversed, and 
this motion constitutes what is called the secular change. I have 
examined various authors, both ancient and modern, who have 
written on the variation of the compass, and have not been able to 
discover or find when or at what time, any change ever took 
place, except the one spoken of before, about the beginning of the 
present century. Surveyors differ in their opinions about the time 
and year that this change took place. Some are of the opinion that 
it was in the year 1800. Others that it was in or about the year 1804, 
but my own opinion about the matter, is that it was about the year 
1796 ; and my reasons for thinking so, are because I have a Bitten- 



24 

houso Compass, (they being the kind formerly used in my district), 
and T find that in tracing old lines, I have to allow more variation 
late than any other ; a circumstance that I cannot account 
for in any other way than by supposing that to be the time of the 
change. In 1813 an article appeared in a Philadelphia paper which 
reads thus : " At Philadelphia 1701," " variation 8° 30 / W. in 1793; 
" 1° SO' W. ; in 1794, the needle was observed to recede to i lie west; 
" in 1801. 2° W. ; in 1813, 2° 27 / W. and the west variation was then 
" increasing." See Flint's Surveying, page 90, &c. 

"In 1805, Mr. Flint, the author before referred to, commenced 
"observing the variation of the magnetic needle at Hebron, in 
"Connecticut; he continued his observations to June, 1885. The 
"same compass with the same needle, has been set at the same 
" place and to the same object ; during that period the north end 
"of tl die varied to the west 1° 20 / . The annual motion of 

"the needle, he says, has not been uniformly steady, in some 
"years it was more rapid than in others; and in one or two in. 
" stances, for a period of three or four years. None except the 
"diurnal motion could be discerned." 

These observations of Mr. Flint accord wonderfully with my own. 
I have in my practice known some years that the variation appeared 
to be as much as 5 or 6 minutes for years, then at other times for 
some three or four years it has seemed to be stationary ; and in one 
or two instances that I now recollect, its motion has appeared to be 
retrograde. It has been found by actual observation that there 
are disturbances of the magnetic needle, outside of its common 
variations, as for instance the Aurora Borealis or Northern Light. 
The following is a copy of a set of observations taken at Philadel- 
phia, on Tuesday evening, November 14th, 1837, by AVilliam J. 
Young, Mathematical Instrument Maker, with a 14 inch needle, 
during an active Aurora. 

II. M. 

6 00 The needle standing, 5' F. of North. 

15 " " " 35' F. of N. 

6 30 " " " 15' W. ofN. 
45 « « « 40' W. of N. 

7 00 " " " 85' W. of N. 
7 15 " " " 35' W. of N. 

Making a variation of 1° 10' in one hour's time, the needle 
remaining untouched during the whole time of observation. It is 
also the opinion of some writers on the subject, that lightning will, 
when near, affect the position of the needle and change its direction, 
but I have never met with any thing of the kind in my practice. 

In one instance, now recollected, I went out to survey a tract of 



"Jo 

woodland in the lower or south end of Salem county. I went to a 
certain black oa!; tree to begin the survey, and stuck down the 
and set the compass on it, and then let the needle" down on 
centre pin, and to my surprise r could do nolhiug with it, the 
needle vibrating- to and fro, and up and down, but after a while it 
beanie quiet and settled down about .'30° from its proper position, 
ami remained for some two or three hours entirely unmnnagable, 
so (hat I could not take a single course with if. The morning was 
foggy and very still, until about 10 o'clock, the wind then sprang up 
from the N. W. and the weather cleared off and the sun shone. I 
then went back to the same tree and set the compass and went on 
round the survey, but the needle did not seem to be entirely free, 
until in the afternoon, and what was the real cause of this irregu- 
larity 1 have never been able 1o find out. I had been at the same 
point before, and have been since and found no such difficulty. The 
needle is also subject to a diurnal as well as an annual variation. 
The daily change of the variation amounts at some periods of the 
rear to as much as 15 minutes, and is said to be greater in sum 

inter, but experimenters seem to be undecided as to which 
month if i greatest or least. Canton andWargentin thought its 
m.i dmum to he in the month of July, but according to Beaufoy's 
ex peri me : is greatest in June and August, and in this gentle- 
man' lace great'dependenee from his known accu- 
r; . . well a-; f'om the time he continued to observe this 
phenomena, i have known the diurnal variation to be 5, 10 and 
15 minutes, and in some instance-, none could be discovered from 
morning till evening. 

It is district, in tracing old line-, to allow one 

degree fov ev< ■■/ 20 yes rs, and at that rate for a longer or shorter 

, but this allowance is frequently from one-quarter to half a 

d( gn the way* being some times too much and at others too- 

; ; bui that allowance seems at a mean rate io be as near the 

mark as can be ascertained at the present time. 

The variation of the needle has long been a subject of much port- 
ions have b< en made upon it in abundance, and 
man, ■ iued, but l hey are not reducible to 

system. The polarity of the needle and its variations and irrcgu- 
lariti ' hidden mystery, which is never to be • ' I out. by 
man. BELFORD M. BONHA 

PjJACTiCAL SUJIV.EYOP, 

Cumberland County, 
August 9th, I New Jersey. 

The was discussed among the members, and upon motion 

of William Haines, was continued to^he next meeting. 



26 

On motion of Mr. Bonham, the proceedings of each meeting of 
the association were ordered to he published in the newspapers of 
each county in West New Jersey. 

John Clement, Sec. 

Adjourned. 



January 3d, 1865. 

The society met, pursuant to adjournment. 

William Parry, Esq., in the chair. 

Ezra Stokes was appointed Secretary, pro (em. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Samuel P. Chew, of Camden County, James H. Trenchard, of 
Cumberland County, Watson Newbold and William H. B. Thomas, 
of Burlington County, were elected members. 

The statement made by the Treasurer was approved and ordered 
to be filed. 

The discussion of the variation of the magnetic needle was 
resumed, and Watson Newbold, read an interesting paper upon 
that subject. 

" Establishing title to Land," was the subject selected for discus- 
sion at the next meeting. 

James Lippincott, gave notice that he would offer a resolution at 
the next annual meeting, to change the time of holding the stated 
meetings. 

Ordered that the next stated meeting be held on the 2d Tuesday 
of August next, at the West Jersey Hotel. 

The officers elected for the ensuing year, were 

William Parry, President. 

George R. Morrison, ") 

Jacob L. Rowand, \ Vice Presidents. 

William R. Braddock. ) 

Clayton Lippincott, Treasurer. 

John Clement, Secretary. 

William Haines | gtanding Committee. 

Clayton Lippincott. j ° 

Adjourned. 

August 8th, 1865. 

The society met according to adjournment, the President, 
William Parry, in the Chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

William M. Cawley, of Salem County, was elected a member of 
the association. 

The Treasurer's accounts were examined and approved. 



27 

A paper was submitted by Samuel P. Chew, upon " Establishing 
title to Land," which was read and ordered to be filed. 

Chew's Landing, August 8th, 1865. 
To the Association of Practical Surveyors of West New Jersey, — 
convened at English's Hotel, Camden. 

Gentlemen :— 

I regret my inability to meet with you to- 
day, as your deliberations will most probably be of an interesting 
character. At the last meeting an elderly gentleman, whose name 
I do not now recall, stated in some general terms to the Association 
that he thought some Legislation requisite to establish title in 
actions of trespass on lands ; and the matter I think, was postponed 
to the pressnt meeting. 

I had hoped to have been present at so important a discussion, to 
have heard the different views thereon in detail, but am forced to 
forego so intellectual a treat, having to meet and harrangue a legal 
tribunal in the defence of a friend to the same action. Consequently 
I must mingle in the dull and monotonous declamations of a couple 
of pettifoggers, whose legal vision, not ordinarily acute, will most 
likely be be-fogged by a dingy fee, instead of enjoying the sprightly 
and varied mental illuminations of a free and erudite periodical 
assemblage ; not however, I hope an extra legislative body, destined 
to out-rival the famous "third house." But to be serious— as a ju- 
nior member of the Association, prudence would assign to me a 
commendable taciturnity,. but a regard for the future status of the 
Association impels me to offer a suggestion. 

Common Law is a beautiful structure, and needs very little 
embellishment by legislative carvings and statutory mouldings. The 
adage that " burnt children dread fire " would be most ludicrously 
exemplified in the sufferers who should make for themselves case- 
mates of asbestos. And law as well as fire, has its inherencies which 
it would probably be advantageous to us to study. As an infant 
society, therefore, let us not draw hasty conclusions from rash prem- 
ises. There needs a digesting apparatus to prepare crude material. 
In a Logocracy some one must act in the capacity of a "Gizzard." 

I would therefore most respectfully suggest, the raising in our 
body, as soon as practicable, Standing Committees, according to 
Parliamentary custom. Until such consummation, let Special Com- 
mittees be appointed for special purposes. I would therefore offer 
the following (to be made to suit the case). 

Resolved, That be a Committee 

to inquire into the utility, want and expediency of any modifica- 



28 

tion, change or further Legislation in the Law, with the view to 

and whether any su< b or other- 

be requisite at this time, and if so, what— and thi t they report 
the same in writing- to the next staled meeting of this Association. 
Excuse haste and laconicism, and believe me the friend of the 
Association. Truly, 

Sami el P. ( Shew. 
To Hon. W. Parry, and others. 

John Clement read a paper upon the variation of the magnetic 
needle, which was ordered to be filed. 
Gentlemen oe the Society: — 
Dhere is p< rhaps no business that is so complex and surrounded 
with so many diffi( ulti< sasthatof practical surveying. The instru- 
ments made use of, defective at best, (lie ignorance orcai l< i oess of 
other surveyors to overcome, the indifference of assistants to con- 
tend with, the vague and doubtful character of papers, maps and 
descriptions—the practical surveyor has the least chance of a repu- 
tation for honesty or capacity of any other person employed in active 
business life. 

He stands the abused of all abusers. Is the pack-horse of other 
men's sins, and in his own practice must answer for ail theshortcom- 
ings of chain bearers ; local attraction ; badly opened lines, and the 
thousand ami one contingent difficulties that surround him in his 
calling. 

\ii one can appreciate and understand these trials except such as 

may have passed through the probationary state to this pro- 

i few of these difficulties, and to suggest their 

avoidance, is the object at this time, and if any one of these shall 

be removed, the purpose will be accomplished. 

In tine early history of our State, and in the laying out of the land, 
for location and settlement, the mariner's compass, adjusted on. a 
. was the only instrument to be obtained. In those days the 
instrument itself was but rudely made, being only cut to points and 
■ <icd by hands varying no doubt a degree or more when 
corn par -i with the nicely graduated instruments of the present day. 
Without even the advantage of a ball and socket as a means of 
adjustment, we can readily see how inaccurately the first surveys 
were made in New Jersey; and understand the difficulties thus 
handed down to us in the adjustment an I of boundary 

lines. Coupled with this is the uncertain length of the chain and 
indifferent carrying, all of which added to the myst sur- 

rounded the early surveying of our Stale. 

-: instruments made ex irveying lands, carried 

with them much the same defects. The dial very small and conse- 



29 

quent short needle, made heavy and badly pointed, perhaps not 
cutting the opposite points alike. The bed plate thin and easily 
bent, with the limbs insecurely fastened and often crooked, and also 
the sights large and roughly opened. The ball and socket had also 
radical defects, which gave it an uncertain and tremulous motion. 

Just here I may be allowed to say a word as to the variation of 
the magnetic needle, a subject that has agitated the scientific world 
for many years, and which may never be satisfactorily answered. 
With this question we have only to do so far as it applies itself to 
the surveying of land ; and that much of the mystery thereof 
grows out of bad instruments and worse surveyors. 

No one will question me advantage of good instruments, carefully 
used and also of an equal care in measurement to secure any thing 
like a correct survey. 

To survey a level rectangular field has none of the trouble of undu- 
lating soil with rough and bushy bottom, steep hill sides and narrow 
valleys, or deep swamps and wide streams. Yet any practical sur- 
veyor knows the almost impossibility of preserving a straight line 
under such circumstances, and avoiding some doubt as to the true 
bearing and distance between the two points. 

To this may be imputed one difficulty as to the variation of the 
needle. However correct the compass may be in itself, the use of 
the instrument for any length of time will put it out of adjustment 
and render it unfit for use. The limbs most readily get out of place 
being more exposed to blows and strains. 

This inaccuracy is hard to detect, and may lead to many (though 
slight) errors long before the cause would be discovered. The centre 
pin by constant use becomes dull and produces too much friction 
upon the needle, rendering its action doubtful ; or the pin may get 
bent from its position and throw the needle from the centre line 
across the compass. The bed plate may be bent without its being 
observed ; any of which causes must make the work done of an 
uncertain character. To this may be imputed another difficulty as 
to the variation of the needle. Again, a surveyor may flatter him- 
self that he has overcome all these difficulties, by proper care of his 
compass, may find his hack-sights satisfactory, and his head-sights 
definite and certain ; occasionally find old marked trees and other 
evidence of previous running— at last to discover that he is but a 
few links from the corner sought for. A few minutes is sufficient 
to make the necessary correction, and he turns back to mark up 
the line and settle the boundary between the owners— when alas ! 
on his return to the starting point, he finds he is a greater distance 
from the corner than the one he last left. Upon inquiry as to the 
cause, he finds the chain bearers have missed an out, or lost a pin, 
and gave him the wrong distance whereon to base his calculations. 



30 

If the line is not returned, then the error may not be detected for 
years, leaving all in doubt as to its origination ; this may be added 
as another difficulty as to the variation of the needle ; and to such 
troubles as these may be imputed the uncertainty of surveyors ever 
attaining to bo Christians ; and forgiveness for their manifold sins 
in the flesh. 

That there is an annual and diurnal variation to the magnetic 
needle there can be no doubt. This varies in different parts of the 
country, and is governed by causes beyond our knowledge and con- 
trol. That light and heat have much to do with the diurnal varia- 
tion of the needle is certain ; but to what extent and for what length 
of time has not as yet been ascertained. This subject has not perhaps 
been more ably discussed, or observations made more conclusive 
than by Mr. Burt, of Detroit, Michigan, in 1839. After a long series 
of observations, he arrives at a few certainties which he has record- 
ed. He says, "the north end of the needle will arrive at its most 
" easterly declination between one and two hours alter sun-rise. 
" It will then gradually move westerly until one or two o'clock, P. 
" M. Soon after which it will gradually decline easterly, and will 
" return half-way back at sunset; and arrive at its most easterly 
" declination again the next morning, between one and two hours 
" after sun-rise." The theory of this would seem to be that the sun 
in passing over the south end of the needle exercises a positive 
electric influence upon it, drawing it away from its true position 
until the meridian, then gradually losing that power as it declines, 
the needle arrives at its true position by the next morning, in time 
to commence the same routine of travel ; varied only by the power 
of the sun or perchance the condition of the atmosphere. The 
observations of Mr. Burt, were made in July, during hot weather 
and long days. The greatest variation attained was 1° 30 s , and the 
least 1° 15', covering a time of thirty days. Thus showing that the 
magnetic needle was not to be relied on under such circumstances. 

My own observations of diurnal variations were made by adjust- 
ing the instrument to a given point, and leaving it exposed to the 
light and heat of the sun for several hours. By this I discovered 
that the needle varied from 1CK to 15' to the east, on very hot clear 
days. During the fall and winter months, this change is not so 
noticeable as in the spring and summer months. This trouble may 
be detected in running a long line that will occupy the whole day, 
in which the needle passes through the changes of heat and light, 
and is affected accordingly. No remedy can be adopted for this 
owing to the uncertainty of each daily change ; the best perhaps in 
practice is the use of back sights, which with care, may approxi- 
mate to a proper allowance in running lines under these difficulties. 

In regard to annual variation there exists a great variety of 



31 

opinions. It is unnecessary to enumerate the various observations 
and conclusions of different persons in this regard, having already 
taxed your patience beyond propriety. The most popular theory, 
and most adopted in practice, is the allowance of 3 minutes to the 
year to and from A. D. 1800. Some use 3J minutes to the year, and 
others calculate from 1805. Others calculate each year separately, 
making a difference in the variation of the several years and sum- 
ming the whole to arrive at the true variation. My own observations 
are had from a con) pass in use some 40 years since, and when now 
carefully applied, I find that 3 minutes to the year is about the 
correct allowance. I am of the opinion however, that much of the 
trouble of this subject grows out of the use of bad instruments ; and 
the liability to error in traversing and correcting lines. 
August. 1S65. 

The following Preamble and Resolution were adopted : 

Whereas, It is desirable that the history of the early settlement 
of our State should be collected, arranged and preserved ; and as 
practical surveyors, by their examination of titles and maps, have 
the best opportunity of discovering such matter, therefore 

liesolved, That each member be requested to secure as much of the 
early history of his neighborhood as possible : the names of the 
first settlers, their families, their nativity, the date of their first 
settlement, and where they located their lands, as well as any other 
thing of antiquarian interest, and from time to time, read the same 
before (he society at their several meetings.'' 

On motion of Emraor Roberts, it was ordered that the next ques- 
tion for discussion be *' the proper manner to adjust an instrument 
to detect the true meridian." 
Adjourned. 



January 2d, 1866. 

The annual meeting of the society occurred this day, and in the 
absence of the President, William Haines was appointed chairman 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Treasurer's accounts were read and approved. 

Samuel H. Chambers, of Burlington county, was elected a 
member. 

The time of holding the regular stated meetings, pursuant to 
notice given January 3d, 1865, was by order of the association, 
changed to the second Tuesday of August, in each year. 

James Lippincott, read a copy of a law of the state of Delaware, 
relating to the settlement of disputed boundary lines by arbitration, 
and upon discussion, the President was directed to appoint a com- 



32 

mitteeof three members to act in conjunction with the Pet ' .'eat 
and SecreUuy, to pv< pstre a law of like import, and r< port I lie ame 
toa.-^x ■- ial meeting of the association to be called l),v slid committee. 
The President appointed James Lippincott, Samuel P. Chew and 
Henry J. Irick, <*- t uch committee. 

John Clemen! • < = i<l a paper upon the compel "Mon of I'me, and 
the changes of the calendar, which was ordered lo he Bled. 



Jti, " Gentlemen, of the At solution: 

. The title to the lands in the State of New Jersey, is derive d i>om 
the General Proprietors, and in the manner peculiar to the system 
adopted by themselves in the beginning; and as the priority of date 
in the original locations or surveys becomes a material element in 
the perfection and certainty of that title, the manner of computing 
time from the grant of the Duke of York, to near i he ( lo^e of I i'.e 
eighteenth century, is the question now proposed to be discii' cu. 

This not unfrequently involves the actual title to lnnd when * lie- 
survey under which it is held is found to interfere with oilier and 
adjoining surveys. The variation of the magnetic needle must be 
based upon this fact; the age of marks found upon corner and line 
trees accounted for with more certainty, and all other evident ethat 
the lapse of time may mystify, arrived at with more certainty when 
we understand clearly the manner in which those who have jjcone 
before us computed time and dated all legal writs and i>uper». 

One or all these troubles, every practical surveyor has encoun- 
tered, and upon occasions when they seemed beyond solution. 

For several centuries the compulation of time and proper adjust- 
ment of the calendar, was a mooted question among astronomers 
and scientific men. 

Before the commencement of the Christian era, it was discovered 
that the solar year was some ten days longer than the lunar year, 
which difference led to constant trouble in the measurement of time 
and the uniform division of the calendar, and which in about thiriy- 
four years changed the names of the months designed to represent 
the particular seasons of that part of the year which was their 
antipodes. 

The first attempt to overcome this difficulty was made by Julius 
Caesar, as Emperor of Rome, about forty-five years before the birth 
of Christ. 

This was called the " Julian style "and prevailed among Chris- 
tian nations, until about the year 1582, during which peiiod the 
little discrepancy of eleven minutes in each year had amounted to 



33 

some ten clays, and had so disarranged the times of the feasts 
peculiar to the Koman Catholic Church, that some new arrange- 
ment became necessary. 

TTnder the authority of Pope Gregory XIII, ten days were deduct- 
ed from the year 1582, and the system of leap year introduced, 
which regulation was adopted at once in all Catholic countries. 

The Protestant communities however refused to accept this plan, 
until the year 1700, and it was not until 1752 that an act was passed 
by the Parliament of Great Britain, requiring all legal writs to 
conform to the style as laid down and adopted by the Pope nearly 
two centuries before. 

It can be well understood how much confusion and uncertainty 
would exist during this period, touching the dates of all legal 
papers in England, and how the same uncertainty would attach to 
the dates of legal papers in the Colonies, and especially in New 
Jersey, where the English calendar was the only one in use among 
the first settlers. 

The practical effect of this change, was to take the beginning o 
the year from the 25th day of March to the 1st day of January, 
which made January, February and March, the three first; months 
in the year, instead of the three last. 

This may be detected by observing in the dates of ancient papers 
and records, the figures 1758-9, &c, which only add to the obscurity 
of the actual date, instead of showing whether the old or new style 
was intended. 

We also find occasionally the date of an old deed to run thus* 
" the first month called March, 1719-50, &c." 

This shows the old style was used and made March the first 
month. 

The actual occurrence of well known historical events, are often 
obscured by the vague and uncertain manner of the record, growing 
out of the difference in adjusting the calendar or computing time. 

The importance of a correct knowledge of these facts is therefore 
self-evident to every practical surveyor, and may he studied and 
discussed with much profit hy all classes of citizens. 

Let us now look at this question practically, so far as it applies 
itself to the titles of lands of our State. 

Suppose a survey to have been made of a tract of land, the 
return of which bears date February 10th, 1748, and having been 
passed by the Council of Proprietors is duly recorded, and by this 
carries with it the title of the Proprietors to the soil within its 
boundaries. • 

Another survey is made which bears date May 13th, 1748, passed 
by the Council and recorded, which also carries with it the title of 
the Proprietors to the soil within its boundaries. 
3* 



34 

These two surveys being laid upon the ground, are found to 
interfere with each other, and the question at once arises as to the 
priority of location. 

Under the old style, the survey made in May would take priority 
of date ; but under the new style, the survey made in February 
would have the preference. 

This inquiry often arises and sometimes leads to difficulty 
and trouble, involving as it does, the title of much valuable estate. 

Although the measure of time covered by this difference of com- 
putation is but about three months, yet in the estimate to be made 
in the variation of the magnetic needle, it may be about nine 
months, and sufficient to lead a surveyor away from the true point 
in running a long line, or in the settlement of several boundaries 
of the same survey. 

As per example it becomes necessary to calculate the variation of 
a survey, dated January 10th, 1748 to January 10th, 1800, the 
calculation would be made for 47 years and 3 months, instead of 48 
years, for the reason that the January of 1748 was the ninth month, 
and the January of 1800 the first month of the year, making the 
measure of time to so differ accordingly. 

These thoughts are condensed, and hints thrown out more for the 
purpose of instituting inquiry upon this subject, than to establish 
any facts, and if the attention of practical men is drawn to it with 
the final settlement of the question, and the development of the 
truth, as it now lies covered with the rubbish of time, the purpose 
of the author will be accomplished. 
January 2, 1866. 

The society ordered the proceedings of themeeting to be published. 

The officers elected for the ensuing year, were : 

William Parry, President. Jacob L. Rowand, George R. Morri- 
son, William Haines, Vice Presidents. Clayton Lippincott, Treas- 
urer. John Clement, Secretary. William M. Cawley, Belford M. 
Bonham, Standing Committee. 
Adjourned. 



February 12th, 1866. 
Pursuant to a call made by the special committee appointed at 
the annual meeting, the association met this day. 
The President, William Parry, in the chair. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
John F. Bodine, of Camden County, was elected a member. 



35 



The special committee reported the draft of a law, for the purpose 
of settling disputed lines and boundaries, by arbitration, which was 
read by sections and approved. 

John F. Bodine, Henry J. Irick and John Clement, were 
appointed a committee to procure the passage of said law by the 
Legislature of New Jersey, at the present sitting. 
Adjourned. 



August 14th, 1866. 

The Society met this day in stated meeting, the President, 
William Parry, in the chair. 

The minutes of the two last meetings were read and approved. 

Alfred Howe, of Gloucester County was elected a member. 

Naaman Haines of Gloucester County, was elected a member. 

Henry J. Irick of the committee appointed February 12th, 1866. 
reported that the draft of a law, adopted by the association at said 
meeting, was not passed by the Legislature then sitting. 

Which report was received, and the committee continued. 

John Clement was appointed to prepare and read a paper before 
the association at its next meeting, upon the early settlements of 
West New Jersey. 
Adjourned. 



September 1st, 1866. 

Pursuant to appointment, a number of the members of the associ- 
ation met at Mount Holly, Burlington County, N. J., for the purpose 
of testing and comparing their compasses, according to the law, now 
in force. 

Amos Gibbs, Esq., Clerk of the county, attended the several 
gentlemen so assembled, and arranged the "Points" as fixed by 
Professor Cook, to show the true North. 

The experiments proved as follows : being made about 12 o'clock, 
M : the thermometer ranging near 90, cloudy with some mist : 

FIRST TRIAL. 



Franklin W. Earl, 


Needle bore 


5 40 


West of North. 


James Lippincott, 


Needle bore 


5 35 


West of North. 


Henry J. Irick, 


Needle bore 


5 30 


West of North. 


John Clement, 


Needle bore 


5 40 


West of North. 




SECOND TRIAL. 


1 o'clock, P. M. 


Franklin W. Earl, 


Needle bore 


5 30 


West of North. 


James Lippincott, 


Needle bore 


5 35 


West of North. 


Henry J. Irick, 


Needle bore 


5 35 


West of North. 


John Clement, 


Needle bore 


5 35 


West of North. 


William Parry, 


Needle bore 


5 35 


West of North. 


Charles Parry, 


Needle bore 


5 45 


West of North. 



36 



January 1st, 1867. 



The annual meeting of the association occurred this day, 

The President, the Hon. William Parry in the chair. 

The question of pressing the passage of the law to settle land 
disputes by arbitration, was discussed, and it was 

Resolved, That the association meet at Trenton, during the sitting 
of the Legislature, at the call of the President, to accomplish this 
purpose. 

The President and Franklin W. Earl, Esq., were added to the 
committee already appointed. 

Joshua Earl, Esq., of Pemberton, Burlington County, was elected 
a member of the association, and reported the " mark" to be used 
by him as a surveyor. 



John Clement, read a paper upon the early settlements of West 
New Jersey, which was ordered to be filed. 

Gentlemen of the Society : — 

The persecution of the religious Society of Friends' during the 
reign of Charles Second, of England, may be said to have been the 
moving cause of the settlement of New Jersey. 
' The refusal of this religious sect to take the oath of allegiance 
required of them, passed by the Parliament to effectually crush out 
the Insurrection of the "Fifth Monarchy Men," or "Millenarians," 
threw around them a shade of suspicion, which designing men took 
advantage of, and placed them as professing Christians in a false 
position before their Sovereign. 

This condition of things so remained until some of the most 
eminent of their persuasion obtained an interview with the King, 
and through the explanations of Fox, Penn, Barclay and others, 
their royal master become satisfied that the profession of non- 
resistance and passive obedience prevacled their whole system, and 
that the oath to which they objected was not an exception in their 
creed. 

The rigor of the act, however, was not abated by the Parliament, 
and as a consequence they suffered much persecution at the hands 
of those in authority. 

As law-abiding citizens, no remedy was apparent for these out- 
rages, and they turned their attention to America, as being a land 
where religious toleration might be enjoyed ; provided enough 
territory could be obtained in which their religious tenets might 
have a controling influence. 



37 

George Fox, who traveled through the wilderness of New Jersey 
in 1671, in going from Maryland to New England, in addition to 
his religious duties, no doubt examined the soil and situation in 
view of a future settlement for this then persecuted people, of which 
he was the founder. 

His travels in West New Jersey extended from near Pennsgrove, 
in Salem County, to Trenton, in Mercer County, which gave him 
an opportunity to know something of the country, and its advan- 
tages, his representation would therefore weigh much in the selec- 
tion of a part of the country where these strangers would settle; and 
perhaps upon his return home our little State was pointed out by 
him as a proper place to be selected for such a purpose. This grant 
of the Duke of York to Carteret and Berkley, of so much of his 
territory as lay in what was then called "Virginia," seemed to meet 
their views as a place of refuge, and the charter of their grant cov- 
ering as it did the right of government, made it doubly attractive to 
" Friends in London." 

In 1673, John Fenwick and Edward Byllynge, (two English 
Quakers,) purchased the undivided half of New Jersey, of Lord 
Berkley, the first in trust for the latter ; done to guard Byllynge's 
estate from his creditors. 

A difficulty arose as to the estate they each held under the title, 
but was adjusted by William Penn, as arbitrator, to the satisfaction 
of both parties. 

The creditors of Byllynge were importunate, and William Penn, 
together with Gawen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas, accepted a further 
trust of his estate in New Jersey, to their benefit. 

A division of the State into East and West Jersey, between Sir 
George Carteret and the trustees of Byllynge, was had by a deed, 
dated July 1st, 1676. 

The Indian title was extinguished by three separate deeds, dated 
September 10th and 27th, and October 10th, 1677. 

Thomas Hutchinson, Thomas Pearson, Joseph Helmsley, George 
Hutchinson and Robert Stacy, all " Friends" and of the County of 
York, England, were the principal creditors of Byllynge, and to 
whom all the other creditors assigned their claims. 

The trustees before named; by deed dated March 1st, 1676, con- 
veyed to these creditors seven equal undivided ninetieth parts of 
ninety equal undivided hundredth parts of West New Jersey, and 
also on the same day three other equal undivided parts as aforesaid 
All the grantees to these titles were " Friends," and as Robert 
Barclay with other " Friends " became the owners of East Jersey, 
it may be said that our State was literally a Quaker settlement, 
except so far as the Swedes and Dutch had previously obtained a 
foothold under the protection of their respective governments. 



38 

The first attempt at settlement under the new order of things was 
made by John Fenwick, at Salem, in 1G75. But few persons came 
with him, among whom were Samuel Nicholson, Robert Zane, 
John Mattox, Robert Wade and others. 

Immediately upon their arrival they established a meeting for 
religious worship, according to their peculiar views, and which was 
the first religious assemblage within the bounds of West New 
Jersey. The Little Colony soon became a nucelus from which many 
other like settlements radiated, and rendered much assistance to 
new comers who frequently arrived in distress. 

The next settlement, was at Burlington, in 1077, which soon 
assumed the proportions of a town, and becamethe seat of Govern- 
ment for the whole colony. 

In 1681, a few persons set out from Dublin, Ireland, for New 
Jersey, and after a short voyage landed at Salem. Their place of 
destination was, however, within the bounds of the "Third "or 
Irish tenth, which extended along the Delaware River from Old- 
man's Creek to Penisaukin Creek. 

This Company consisted of William Bates, Thomas Thackara, 
Mark Newbie, George Goldsmith and Thomas Sharp. The three 
first named of these had families, the two last being single men. 

They arrived at Salem, in November, and through the winter 
following, made much search for a suitable place to make a perma- 
nent settlement. A spot was at last selected upon a stream they 
called Newton Creek, within the bounds of Haddon Township, 
near the old Newton Grave Yard, and about three miles from 
the City of Camden. 

In the spring following, they were joined by Robert Zane, who 
had previously come to Salem, when they all removed to the place 
selected which they called "Newton." 

They had, during the winter, located sixteen hundred acres of 
land between the north and middle branches of said creek, and also 
one hundred acres of meadow at the mouth of Little Newton Creek, 
fronting on the river Delaware. 

This little village consisted of a few rude huts or cabins built on 
the north bank of the middle branch, a -jhort distance below where 
the old grave yard stands, only intended as temporary residences 
"for fear of the Indians," and until land could be prepared for 
agricultural purposes. 

Without any material for building or means to procure such, 
these dwellings must have been primitive indeed. It was soon 
found that they had no cause of fear from the Indians; who 
savage though they were, could appreciate and reciprocate the many 
acts of kindness extended to them by these new comers. 



39 

In the next year each person had selected a part of this original' 
tract and a place for his dwelling, which sub-division was carried out 
by deed to each, and the locality thereof appears on a map made by 
Thomas Sharp in 1700. 

It is a matter of interesting inquiry to know where this little 
village stood, but not a vestige of it remains, and not a tradition is 
left to tell where the town of " Newton " was built" for fear of the 
Indians.'' 

To the antiquarian, or to the descendants of those who resided in 
these humble dwellings, this spot if certainly known, would in our 
day have a peculiar interest, and be worthy of a pilgrimage to 
see where landed those who brought with them the true elements 
of a free government, and left those elements to be enlarged and 
enjoyed by such as came after and were capable of handing them 
down unimpared to posterity. 

These " Friends," isolated as they were, did not forget the obser- 
vance of religious worship, for " a meeting was kept at Mark New- 
bie's house, where William Cooper resorted from the point." 

A meeting house was built in 1681, which stood near the old 
grave yard. The first Trustees were Benjamin Thackara, William 
Cooper and William Albertson, who continued the trust to Thomas 
Sharp, John Kaighn, Joseph Cooper and John Kay, in 1708. 

A similar settlement was made at the mouth of Woodbury 
Creek, in 1682, by several brothers by the name of " Wood," who 
came from " Bury," in Lancashire, England. 

They were soon joined by Thomas Gardiner, Thomas Mathews, 
John Test, William Warner, and others. 

They were all " Friends," and established a religious meeting 
which they called "The Shelter." In 1696, the Trustees of the 
meeting were Thomas Gardiner, William Warner and Joshua 
Lord. 

In the same year, (1682) John Roberts,William Matlock, Timothy 
Hancock and others, settled at an Indian Town called " Penisau- 
kin," on the south branch of the creek that now bears that name in 
Burlington County. 

Many other familiies soon followed, and a meeting was estab- 
lished, called " Adams " Meeting, since called " Chester " Meeting, 
now Moorestown. In the year 1700, Thomas Story, a public Friend, 
says he traveled by water from Philadelphia, to visit " Adams" 
Meeting, and upon his return stayed at the house of Esther Spicer, 
the widow of Samuel, who then lived on the north side of Cooper 
Creek, near its mouth. 

In 1681, William Cooper located 300 acres of land, bounded by the 
creek that now bears his name, and fronting on the Delaware River. 
He came to Burlington in 1678, where he purchased 50 acres of land 



40 

and erected a dwelling which he afterwards gave to his daughter 
Hannah, wife of John "NVoolstan. 

In 1683, he settled at '' Pyne Point," at the mouth of Cooper's 
Creek, in the midst of an Indian town. 

The title of the aborigines to the soil within the bounds of his 
survey, he extinguished by a valuable consideration alike honor- 
able to him' as satisfactory to themselves, and which secured the 
good opinion of these children of the forest toward the family ever 
after. 

At the time of his death in 1710, he had but three children living, 
Joseph. Daniel and Hannah. His son, named William deceased 
in 1691, leaving issue. He was a blacksmith, and lived in Salem. 

Francis Collins came to Burlington in the sameship with William 
Cooper, and many others who settled about that town. 

In 1GS2, he located 500 acres in the easterly part of Newton 
Township, and on the south side of the south branch of Cooper's 
Creek. His house stood on the hill south of Haddonfield, now 
generally known as the "Gill Farm." He called his new place 
"Mountvvell." 

His wife deceased soon after his settlement here, leaving him with 
one son and six daughters. 

This was remote from Newton, and preceded any other settle- 
ment in that part of the township by several years. There are 
many reasons for thinking the Indians had a town thereabouts, 
and that Francis Collins found a few acres free of timber, whereon 
he could raise his crops without the labor of clearing the ground. 

Perchance his dwelling was a wigwam, he had purchased of one 
of the natives, and in which he resided during his stay here, 
which was but short. 

In 1686, Francis Collins married Mary Gosling, widow of John, 
and daughter of Thomas Budd, and removed to Burlington. He 
was a bricklayer, and in 1690 erected the Court House in Burlington, 
for which he received £100, and a tract of land. There was no 
person among the earlier settlers of West New Jersey, the colla- 
teral branches of whose family. are so extensive as those of Francis 
Collins. 

The settlement made by John Fenwick has grown into one of 
the most nourishing towns in West Jersey, and the names of the 
adventurers who came with him may be found in every community 
throughout the State. 

The village of NewtDn nevjr assumed the proportions of a town, 
and several generations have passed away since the last vestige of 
its place was known. 

Its founders are remembered however in many families among 



41 

us, yet no part of the soil as originally held by them remains in 
the name of any descendant. 

A large part of William Cooper's three hundred acres is now 
covered by the thriving City of Camden ; and not a few years will 
elapse before the whole will be occupied by permanent improve- 
ments, in keeping with the spirit of the age and the demands of the 
public. 

What William Penn found the Indian town of Shackomaxin in 
1681, and which has now grown into the City of Philadelphia; 
William Cooper also found the next year at " Pyne Point" and 
which has now become the business centre of West New Jersey. 

The beautiful town of Woodbury, traces back its genealogy to the 
little colony that settled at the mouth of the stream which passed 
that town ; and with commendable tenacity retains the name given 
by its founders. 

The Indian town of "Penisaukin" has long since lost its identity 
and now the ploughshare of the husbandman breaks up the soil 
where once this village stood. 

The lineal descendants of the first English settlers still hold the 
titles to the land, and although much has passed out of the name 
yet not entirely out of the blood. 

A part of the survey of five hundred acres as made by Francis 
Collins, is now included in the village of Haddonfled, none of the 
estate having been in the name for the last century. 

The first ferry across the River Delaware was established by 
William Roydon, In 1687, under a license granted by the '' General 
Court," sitting at Gloucester, and to be fixed at any point between 
Newton and Cooper's Creek. The extent of this license would 
prove that no other ferry existed previous to this grant ; although 
some sort of intercourse was kept up by the Indians between 
Shackomaxin and "Pyne Point," previous to this time to accom- 
modate the few that wanted 1o cross the river at that place. 

William Eoydon was allowed to charge six pence for every person 
he set over the river, and twelve pence for every man and horse, 
and in like proportion for more bulky or weighty articles. 

His house stood near the foot of Cooper street, Camden, and 
which he was also licensed to keep as a tavern. 

In 1689 Roydon sold his ferry and all his land and improvements 
to William Cooper, whose son Daniel removed there and kept the 
ferry until his death. 

This ferry, like all its surroundings, was of the most primitive 
kind, and gave neither convenience or comfort to those who were 
forced to use it. One hundred and eighty years has wrought many 
desirable changes in this regard, and what our ancestors were satis- 
fied with, has no existence at this time. 



42 

The "Corn Mill" built by Thomas Kendall, in 1697, near Haddon- 
field, and on the site of the present mill of Josiah B. Evans, de- 
ceased was " an institution" in its day and generation. It was the 
first built in Gloucester County; then known as "Free Lodge Mill." 

Nothing would perhaps be more curious, or attract the attention 
of mechanics and practical men oftener; than this old corn mill, if it 
stood now as in the days of its usefulness. 

In 169S, Mordecai Howell erected a saw mill on a small branch of 
Cooper's Creek, near the residence of Richard Shivers, Esq., in 
Delaware Township. Other like mills were built about this time, 
but this was among the first. 

Among those who came first to settle within the limits of West 
New Jersey, there was no more interesting character than Elizabeth 
Haddon. The daughter of John Haddon, a "Friend" who lived 
in the Parish of St. George, in the Borough of Southwark and 
County of Surrey, England, at that day a suburb of London, on the 
south side of the River Thames, long since swallowed up in the 
enlarged borders of that great city. 

John Haddon had two daughters, his only children, Sarah who 
married Benjamin Plopkins, and Elizabeth the subject of this 
sketch. 

At the age of nineteen she left the home of her parents to look 
after her father's interest in America, accompanied perhaps by a 
few friends, but by none of her immediate family. She arrived in 
Philadelphia in 1701, and proceeded at once to the house erected on 
her father's land, lying on the south side of Cooper's Creek, within 
the bounds of Newton township. 

This building stood on the hill beside the stream, and near Coles 
Landing. 

In the same year she married John Estaugh, a young man who 
had preceded her to America upon a religious visit; he being a 
preacher. They were married at her residence (and not at the 
public meeting) as was frequently the case in the early settlement 
of the country. 

In 1713 a new house was erected on another tract, purchased by 
her father on the site of the residence of Isaac H. Wood, Esq., near 
Haddonfield, which village took its name from the owner of the 
soil. 

In 1721 she went to England and procured from her father a deed 
for one acre of land, whereon to erect a meeting house, and where 
originated the Friends' Meeting at Haddonfield, which from that 
date until the year 1818, was the only place of public religious 
worship in the village. 

Having no children of her own, she adopted Ebenezer Hopkins, 
a son of her sister, who came to New Jersey, and resided with his 



aunt. He married Sarah Lord, a daughter of Joshua Lord, of 
Woodbury Creek, and died in 1757, leaving her his widow with 
several children. Thus originated the " Hopkins" family in West 
New Jersey. 

John Estaugh died in the Island of Tortula, in 1742, while on a 
religious visit there. 

Elizabeth Estaugh died in 1762, full of years, and leaving behind 
her a character to be admired and worthy of emulation. Her life 
had been more varied than generally falls to the lot of a female, 
but no word of censure or reproach remains upon her name. The 
days of her youth were filled with romance and surrounded by 
temptation; yet she was to the end of her life the same conscien- 
tious, discreet and consistent woman. 

She was cotemporary with William Penn, Robert Barclay and 
those others who originated the Colony, whose moral courage 
prompted by a religious duty overcame obstacles not often encoun- 
tered ; whose life was as exemplary as it was useful, and whose 
name will always be remembered with reverence and respect. 

January 1st, 1867. 



It was Resolved, That the next stated meeting of the association 
be held at Willis' Hotel, in Woodbury, Gloucester County, and that 
each surveyor then and there have the instrument he uses in 
surveying land, to be compared and tested upon the "Points," 
lately established at that place, according to law. 

Ordered that the Secretary have the proceedings of, and the 
several papers read before the Association, published by the press of 
West New Jersey, and also to have two hundred, (200) copies of 
the same, printed in pamphlet form for distribution among the 
members at the next meeting of the society. 

The officers elected for the ensuing year, were as follows : 

William Parry, President. George B. Morrison, William Haines r 
Belford M. Bonham, Vice Presidents. Clayton Lippfrncott, Treas- 
urer. John Clement, Secretary. James Lippincott, Samuel P. 
Chew, Standing Committee. 



44 



PROCEEDINGS 



August 13th, 1867. 

Pursuant to adjournment the Surveyors' Association of West 
New Jersey met at Willis' Hotel, in Woodbury, Gloucester county, 
N. J., this day. 

The Hon. William Parry, the President, in the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Benjamin F. McCollister, Job S. Haines. Benjamin C. Downs, 
Simeon Cook, and Major B. Mathias were elected members, and 
each reported his "mark" to be used in surveying. 

Mr. Irick, on behalf of the committee to procure the passage of a 
law to settle disputed boundaries by arbitration, reported that no 
law had yet been acted on by the Legislature, and the committee 
was therefore continued. 

The Secretary reported the printing of the proceedings of the So- 
ciety, which same were received and distributed, and the cost order- 
ed to be paid by the Treasurer. 

Mr. McCollister suggested the propriety of placing monuments 
on the sides of public highways instead of in the middle of the 
same; and noting their position from the true corner by course and 
distance in the deeds or on the maps. 

Franklin W. Earl, Esq., read a paper upon the early settlements 
about Pemberton, Burlington county, N. J., (relating more par- 
ticularly to Thomas Budd and his descendants), containing much 
valuable and interesting information. 

The same was ordered to be filed and published. 

In reference to the difficulties and annoyances that often occur to 
parties as weH as Surveyors in the acknowledgment of legal papers, 
it was 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft a law to be sub- 
mitted to the next meeting, (and afterwards to ask its passage by 
the Legislature), to meet the wants of the people in this regard. 

Messrs. Earl, McCollister and Clement were apuointed as such 
committee. 

Belford M. Bonham, Esq., was appointed to prepare and read the 
next essay before the Society, at the annual meeting in January 
next, (18GS). 



45 

The experiments made with the various instruments upon the 
"Points" established in the Court House yard, at Woodbury, ac- 
cording to law, were as follows : 

10$ A. M. Thermometer about 90° 

The compass of Simeon Cook, bore 4° 30' W of N 

The compass of Sam. P. Chew, bore 4° 45 / W of N 

The compass of Naaman W. Haines, bore 4° 40'aW of N 

The compass of William Dyer, bore 4° 35' W of N 

The compass of John Clement, bore 4° 45 / W of N 

The compass of Ezra Stokes, bore 4° 35' W of N 

The compass of William Haines, bore 4° 50' W of N 

The compass of Alfred Howe, bore 4° 55' W of N 

The compass of John C. Smallwood, bore 4° 50' W of X 

The compass of William Parry, bore 4° 47 / W of N 

The compass of Charles Parry, bore 4° 50 / W of N 
Second Trial. 
3 P. M. Thermometer about 90° 

The compass of James Lippincott, bore 4° 4CK W of N 

The compass of Benjamin Downs, bore 4° 57' W of N 

The compass of John Clement, bore 4° 45 / W of N 

The compass of Ezra Stokes, bore 4° 28' W of N 

The compass of Alfred Howe, bore 4° 50 / W of N 

The compass of William Haines, bore 4° 48' W of X 

The compass of Charles Parry, bore 4° 47 / W of N 

The compass of Simeon Cook, bore 4° 30 / W of .N 

The compass of William Parry, bore 4° 45 / W of N 

The compass of Naaman W. Haines, bore 4° 40 / W of N 

The compass of William Dyer, bore 4° 40' W of N 

The compass of Samuel P. Chew, bore 4° 45 / W of N 

Adjourned to meet at the West Jersey Hotel in Camden, on the 
first Tuesday in January, 1868, (the annual meeting at 10 A. M.) 

JOHN CLEMENT, 

Secretary. 

A paper read by Franklin W. Earl, Esq., of Pemberton, N. J., 
before the Surveyors' Association of West New Jersey, August 
13th, 1867. 

Gentlemen of the Surveyors' Association <*f West 
New Jersey. 

Having been appointed to read before you a paper showing some 
of the early settlers and settlements of Burlington County, I 
will now submit the following: " Thomas Budd, who owned a share 
of Propriety in West New Jersey and ancestor to a large family, 
arrived at Burlington, N. J., in the year 1668; and after remaining 
in the country for a few years returned to London for his family 



46. 

with which he came again to Burlington in 1678, and came also 
with him his hrothers,AVilliam, John and James, with their fami- 
lies which were numerous, amounting to some twenty-five 
souls in all. "Being men of sterling integrity and good business 
habits, they were soon engaged in pursuits of industry which inured 
to them good profits, and they were able to locate lands and hold a 
sufficiency of them during life to leave their children large tracts 
for their future enjoyment and benefit." 

John Budd, one of the brothers, early after his arrival at Burling- 
ton, removed to Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, and 
engaged himself in mercantile business there, and at his death, 
which occurred prior to 1738, left three sons, Samuel, John and 
George. Of James Budd, another brother, but little is known by 
this writer; except at his death which occurred in 1738, he left 
several children, his oldest son being named William. 

William Budd, another brother, settled in the county of Burling- 
ton, and was a large locator of land in that county; and, although 
one of the early pioneers of West Jersey, his name stands less con- 
spicuous in early history than his brother Thomas, from the fact of 
his not associating in the public affairs of the Colony. He died in 
1707, leaving four sons and two daughters, who also married and 
settled in said county, and whose decendants are now among the 
most numerons and respectable in West Jersey. 

Thomas Budd, the oldest of the four brother, sheld many impor- 
tant trusts in the Province; and on the ninth clay of November, 
1681, when the first form of government was established by the 
Proprietors, Samuel Jennings was elected as their Governor, and 
Thomas Budd, with others, was selected to assist the Governor to 
establish a code of laws suitable to the maintenance of tranquility 
in the then wild forests of West Jersey. 

Besides assisting in establishing a form of Government for the 
Colony, Thomas Budd entered into the mercantile business in 
Burlington and continued there until the year 1690, when he too re- 
moved to Philadelphia and continued his business as a merchant 
until his death. 

In the religious controversy between George Keith, and the Qua- 
kers, Thomas Budd sided with Keith, and went to England with 
him to attend the yearly meeting of Friends in Loudon, where the 
difficulty w£s taken to seek a final adjustment; which ended in 
Keith's separation and taking with him many prosy lites over to 
the Church of England. 

The Indian titles had been extinguished within what is now 
known as Burlington county by the Proprietors, for all lands north 
of the Rancocas and between it and theAssanpink. from the mouths 
to the head waters of the same two streams, by deed bearing date 



47 

October 10, 1G77 ; and south of the Rancocas and between it and 
Timber creek by deed dated September 10, 1677. 

The title then of the Indians had been extinguished over three 
years when the Proprietors appointed their Governor and established 
their laws, which made it necessary to fix and establish some form 
(although a rude one) of Government so as to better restrain not 
only the Indians but the new settlers who continued to arrive with 
each returning year. 

And let me here remark that it would have been well if the Pro- 
prietors until the present time had lived up to the 7th Rule then 
adopted which required " That all lands be laid out on straight 
lines, that no vacancy be left between lands, but that they join one 
seat to another." 

Identical then with the early history of West New Jersey, we find 
that the name of Thomas Budd was conspicuous. For many years 
he filled offices of important trusts, being often appointed to confer 
with the Indian tribes for the purchase of their lands ; and make 
treaties with them for the suppression of intemperance which had 
become a curse not only to the Indians but the settlers themselves, 
with whom they had to live in close proximity ; often causing most 
serious quarrels, which not unfrequently led to bloodshed. 

Thomas Budd was chosen as one of the Governor's privy Council, 
appointed a Justice of the Peace for Burlington county, and Com- 
missioner for examining titles and instructing Surveyors how to 
run out and take up land heretofore purchased of the Indians. 

Burlington county was established as early as 1677, but more 
definitely bounded and described in the year 170P, and one of the 
towns then existing in fact as well as in name was the town of 
" Hampton Hanover " (now Pemberton) the subject of this sketch. 
"Hampton Hanover" was situated then as now on the main North 
Branch of Rancocas Creek about six miles east of Mount Holly, 
then known by the name of " Bridgeton." 

The name " Hampton Hanover" was no doubt given the place 
from the fact that the creek was the dividing line between the 
township of Northampton on the South and Hanover on the 
North ; and the town being located on both sides of the stream— as 
a matter of compromise the town was named after both townships. 
This same name was retained until the year 1752 when David 
Budd (the third grandson of William Budd the first,) Robert 
Smith, Daniel Smith, and Patrick Reynolds as partners, built a 
Grist Mill and Saw Mill on the Creek just below the bridge and on 
or near the site of the one now standing there. 

Previously to 1752 there was a Grist Mill on what is called Budd's 
Run, a small stream of water running near by east and west for some 



48 

half a mile on north side of the town before it empties into the 
Main creek. 

The old mill stood about one quarter of a mile east of where the 
present road now crosses the stream. This no doubt had gone into 
decay,. hence the name of " Hampton Hanover" was changed to 
" New Mills." 

In 1787 the present place of " New Mills " was laid off in town 
lots, was run and made by Daniel Smith, Jr., and is now in 
Pemberton preserved as a relic of those early times. Although a 
portion of the town had been laid off prior to that time which was 
near to and adjoining the mill. 

Associated with the name of " Hampton Hanover" should be 
the names of Thomas and William Budd, as they two brothers 
were the original Proprietors and locators of the land now occupied 
by the town, and east and west of the same for from two to three 
miles, and under these two men must all the present owners derive 
their first title to their homes. 

In 1693 Thomas Budd located a tract of land beginning near 
where the present Main Road crosses the Main north branch of 
Raneocas creek at Pemberton, and running northwardly almost as 
the road now runs as far as Juliastown ; covering the east end of 
the Mount at that place then called "Mount Pisgah," and em- 
bracing all the land from the main street in Pemberton, easterly 
for one and three quarter miles up said creek, and adjoining to 
lands of his brother William, both on the east and west. 

William Budd located at the same time five hundred acres on the 
east and five hundred acres on the west of his brother Thomas' 
survey. 

As I have before stated Thomas Budd removed to Philadelphia 
in 1690, and was a merchant tbere in 1693, when this land was 
located by his deputy Surveyor Daniel Leeds for him, he being the 
owner of Proprietory rights, and in this instance placing them on 
some of the best land in Burlington county. 

Thomas Budd's will bears date September 9, 1697, dated in Phila- 
delphia, wherein he bequeathed to his son Thomas Budd "the new 
dwelling house," his son then lived in nearest the dock ; and to his 
daughter Mary Budd, and his daughter Rose JBudd, one hundred 
pounds each, with all the rest and remainder of his property to his 
widow Susanna Budd; leaving his widow and his oldest son John 
Executors. 

In March 1698 John Budd renounced the Executorship, and 
Susanna (the widow) proved the will and took possession of his 
effects. 



49 

The oldest daughter Mary, married Dr. John Gosling, who resi- 
ded in the City of Burlington. The issue of this marriage was one 
son, John, and from whom the family of that name in these parts 
have come. 

In view of his going to the Island of Barbadoes in 1685 John (the 
father) executed his will, and from which voyage he never re- 
turned. 

The widow Mary, subsequently married Francis Collins, who 
removed from Gloucester County and resided with her in Bur- 
lington. 
The children of this marriage were John, who married Elizabeth 

Moore ; Francis married Elizabeth ; Mary married Thomas 

Kendall, and Samuel. The direct and collateral branches of this 
family are numerous in Burlington County and through West 
Jersey. 

In September 1G99 Susanna Budd by her deputy, Thomas Gardiner, 
the Surveyor General, resurveyed the above named tract of land on 
the east side of Pemberton, and made it contain 2,000 acres, and on 
the eleventh day of July 1701, she sold the land to John Garwood 
and Restore Lippincott, who soon after made division of the same, 
John Garwood taking the north end and Restore Lippincott taking 
the south end, and which now embraces the easterly part of the 
town of " Hampton Hanover," or Pemberton. 

William Budd devised his 500 acres on the east side of Thomas 
Budd's 2,000 acres, to his daughter Ann, who married James Bing- 
ham, who conveyed the same after a resurvey thereof to Peter 
Bard by two deeds of conveyance, one of which bears date January 
14, 1722, for 550 acres, and the other bears date June 10, 1723, and 
conveys 430 acres, making in all 980 acres sold by James Bingham 
and wife to Peter Bard. 

William Budd located the land on the west side of the Main 
street of Pemberton, November 2, 1683, which laud he devised to 
his sons William, Thomas, John and James. 

This survey extends with Thomas Budd's to " Mount Pisgah," 
and along the Indian purchase embracing 500 acres of the same, 
but most likely covered three times that number of acres. 

As early as the year 1699 I find the name of "Hampton Hanover" 
marked upon an old plan of the town, but well preserved, em- 
bracing all of William and Thomas Budd's land in around Pem- 
berton. The lands on the south side of Rancocas creek at Pemberton 
were located for Lady Rhoads, Samuel Barker and Thomas Wright, 
in October 1693, by Daniel Leeds deputy Surveyor, extending nearly 
from the north to the south branches of the Rancocas, one survey 
containing 3,120 acres and the other 1,200 acres, covering as did 
4* 



50 

Thomas and William Budd's surveys on the north, some of the 
best agricultural districts in the State. 

William Budd about the same time located on the south side of 
the north branch of Kancocas, which he conveyed to John Woolston, 
one of the first settlers in Burlington county, and who arrived at 
Burlington in 1677. John Woolston married Hannah Cooper, a 
daughter of William Cooper in 1681, and died in 1713, without 
making any will, and under the laws then existing in the colony 
his oldest son John, inherited all his real estate. 

He however left two other sons, Joshua and Michael, most 
probably children by his first wife; as John Woolston was married 
in 1684 to Eliza Borton, then only three years after his father 
married Hannah Cooper. 

John Woolston conveyed to his brother Michael part of the above 
land inherited from his father, and which embraces most of the 
land between Pemberton and Birmingham Mills, on the south side 
of Bancocas creek, containing about 700 acres. 

Joshua Woolston the son of John was never married, and sold 
his land to his brother Michael, April 15, 1726. 

Michael Woolston died 1753, leaving five children, three sons and 
two daughters, Joseph, Joshua, Braz'ila, Letitia, who married Isaac 
Hinchman, and Ann, who married Lev" Briggs. But let me return 
to my subject, " Pemberton and its early history !" 

William Budd the oldest son of William (the first) was devised 
by his father, the lands on the west side of Pemberton, being part 
of the 500 acres surveyed to his father in 1693, and in the year 1723 
died, leaving the following issue: Thomas, William, David, 
Susanna, Rebecca, Abigail, Elizabeth, Anna and Mary. Thomas 
married Rebecca Atkinson in 1723 ; William married Susanna Cole, 
(daughter of Samuel Cole, of Gloucester county,) in 1728; David 

married Catharine ; Susanna married Jacob Gaskill in 1625; 

Anna married Kendall Cole in 1744 ; and Mary married Shinn. 

William Budd devised to his son David his land on the west side 
of the Main street where the present mill now stands, and he David 
Budd by separate deed, dated December 1st, 1752, conveyed to 
Patrick Reynolds (a millwright,) Robert Smith and Daniel Smith, 
each one-quarter of a quantity of land, sufficient for the erection of 
a grist mill and saw mill, together with some town lots and other 
privileges, retaining one-quarter part for himself, by whom the 
mills were built; which bounds as described by David Budd are in 
three deeds, and still retained at the old mill seat. 

From that time forward the town of " Hampton Hanover" con- 
tinued to improve, and the name of " New Mills " was by common 
consent substituted for the old title. 



51 

Patrick Reynolds who owned one-fourth and built the mills at 
Pemberton in 1752, was a native of Ireland, and a resident of 
" Bridgeton " at that time. His son Thomas held a colonel's com- 
mission during the Revolutionary War, his first wife being Mary 
Brian widow of Jacob, she being an heiress, the daughter of John 
Ritche, a merchant of Aberdeen, in Scotland, and Aon his wife. 

Ann Ritche, the mother of Mary Reynolds, was the niece, and 
one of the residuary legatees of George WiUock, a'so a native of 
Scotland, who settled at Perth Amboy, was ore of the early pro- 
prietors of East Jersey, and located many tracts of valuable land. 
At the death of Ann Ritche, the title to all her valuable tracts of 
land passed by descent to her three daughters. Magdaline who 
married John Leonard ; Elizabeth who married James Laurance ; 
and Mary who married Jacob Brian, and at his death married 
Thomas Reynolds. 

After the death of Mary Reynolds, (by whom there was no issue,) 
Thomas Reynolds married Elizabeth Budd, the only daughter of 
David Budd, who was a large land holder and owned one-quarter 
of the " New Mills." 

By this last wife Thomas Reynolds had two daughters ; Catharine 
who married Smith S. Osborn, and Antice who married John Lacy. 
At the time of the Revolutionary War there were three brothers 
and one sister named " Pemberton,'' residents of the colony of 
Pennsylvania. John, Israel, James, and Mary, who married John 
Kirkbride. The three brothers were all wealthy and influential 
citizens of Philadelphia, members of the Society of Friends, and 
occupying high positions in that Society. 

Their grandfather, Phineas Pemberton, a prominent member of 
the Society of Friends also, emigrated from a place called Aspul, 
in Lancashire, England, soon after William Penn obtained his 
charter for Pennsylvania, and located a tract of land on which he 
settled in Buck's county, adjoining Pennsbury Manor, nearly 
opposite and little below Bordentown, where William Penn was 
frequently entertained before he built his Manor house at Penns- 
bury Manor. 

John Pemberton was a Public Friend, and died at Pyremsunt, 
Germany, in 1795, while on a religious visit to Europe. 

Israel Pemberton, another brother, resided I think in Philadelphia, 
and was an extensive locator of land in some of the lower counties 
of this State; particularly in Gloucester, now Camden and Atlantic 
counties. His surveys were principally made between 1739 and 
1767. Some surveys were also made in the name of his sister, Mary 
Kirkbride, generally near those made to her brother Israel. 

John C. Pemberton, the Rebel General, who commanded the 
Confederate forces at Vicksburg, where he surrendered to General 



52 

Grant's greatly superior forces, July 4, 1863, was a native of Phila- 
delphia, and a grandson of one of the brothers of John or Israel 
Pemberton, before named. 

James Pemberton, the last of the three brothers, was also a 
Public Friend, and one of the largest shipping merchants in 
Philadelphia. 

He first married Sarah, a daughter of Daniel Smith, of Burling- 
ton, (by whom I think there was no issue,) and after his death 

which occurred about 1770, he married Phoebe. He deceased in 

Philadelphia in 1809, aged 85 years, leaving two daughters, one of 
whom married Anthony Morris, of Washington City, D. C. 

Daniel Smith's will bearing date November 24, 1768, in which he 
gives to his daughter Sarah, wife of James Pemberton, thirty-five 
tracts of land, mostly in Burlington county, one of which was 10£ 
acres in the village of " New Mills," which he purchased of Robert 
Smith in May 1757, which piece of land embraced a large portion 
of the three village lots, and James Pemberton securing through 
his wife Sarah, the fee to all those several tracts of land, sold the lots 
in Pemberton to sundry persons under ground rent deed, by which 
many of said lots are held until the present time. 

In the autumn of 1826, some of the wealthiest and most influential 
citizens of " New Mills," conceived that it would be advantageous 
to the place to have the village incorporated and accordingly made 
application to the Legislature for an act for that purpose entitled, 
" An act to incorporate the village of " New Mills " into a borough 
by the name of the Borough of Pemberton, which name was 
selected at a public meeting of the inhabitants out of respect for 
and in honor of James Pemberton, above named. 

"Pemberton" then has had an existence for one hundred and 
seventy seven years. For sixty-two years it was called " Hampton 
Hanover." For seventy-four years it passed by the name of "New 
Mills," and for the last forty-one years it has been incorporated as 
the " Borough of Pemberton," which act has date December 15, 1826. 

As a matter of curiosity to some of our younger members, I will 
read a copy of an old return of a public road leading from Pem- 
berton to the Delaware river, as laid out by Surveyors one hundred 
and fifty-five years ago : 

"December 30 and 31, 1712." 
" Then laid out one public common highway of four rods in 
breadth, beginning at John Garwood's land ; thence as the path 
goes by James Shinn's; thence as the path goes to a run of water 
by the corner of William Budd's fence; thence through the fenced 
land in the old path to Thomas Atkinson's ; thence along the path 
by Josiah Gaskill's ; thence as the path goes to Josiah Southwick's 



5 o 

and Edward Gaskill's ; thence along the path as it is marked to 
Thomas Bryan's fence; thence as it is marked over a corner of 
Thomas Bryan's field and along as it is marked over a corner of 
Lydia Horner's field; thence along by Thomas Bryan's ditch; 
thence as it is marked to pine swamp ; thence along the path as it is 
marked to a run of water by Revel Elton's field ; thence as it is 
marked over said field and over a corner of George Bliss's field, and 
a little field in Joseph Devonish's land till it meets the old path; 
then along the same as it is marked to the westernmost side of 
John Wills' land ; thence along the old path, and as it is marked in 
the township of Willingboro' to the Salem road ; thence along the 
same over the bridge to the upland ; thence as it is marked by 
Ralph Cowgill's house; thence as it is marked to Ferry Point. 
Laid out by us the day and year above written. 
Thomas Raper, Joshua Humphries, John Wills, Commissioners." 



January 7, 1868. 

The annual meeting of the Association was held this day at the 
West Jersey Hotel, Camden, N. J., the President the Hon. William 
Parry, in the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The report of the Treasurer was submitted and approved. 

Robert B. Mitchner, of Pittstown, Cumberland County, N. J., 
was elected a member and reported the " mark " to be used by him 
as a Surveyor. 

George W. Hancock, of Atco, Camden County, N. J., was elected 
a member and reported his " mark.'' 

J. Simpson Africa, of Atsion, Burlington County, N. J., was 
elected a member and reported his " mark." 

The law in regard to the settlement of disputes of boundaries of 
land by arbitrators being again discussed the committee was con- 
tinued. 

The manifest difference of the several instruments as developed 
at the last meeting at Woodbury, by the experiments upon the 
'points' at that place established bylaw ; Samuel P. Chew, Esq., was 
requested to prepare a paper upon that subject, and read the same 
before the Society at the next meeting. 

William Parry, (President,) was appointed to prepare and read 
before the Society at the next meeting a history of the early settle- 
ments in the neighborhood of his residence (Cinnaminson, Bur- 
lington County, N. J.) 



54 

This being the annual meeting the following named persons were 
elected as officers for the ensuing year : 

President, Hon. William Parry. Vice Presidents, William Haines, 
Belford M. Bonham, Simeon Cook. Treasurer, Clayton Lippincott. 
Standing Committee, Ezra Stokes, William Dyer. Secretary, John 
Clement. 

Adjourned. 



August 11, 18G8. 

A stated meeting of the Association was held this day at the 
West Jersey Hotel, Camden, N. J., the Hon. William Parry in 
the chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The Treasurer reported a deficiency in the funds and was ordered 
to notify delinquents. 

Barclay White, of Jobstown, Burlington County, N. J., was 
elected a member and reported his " mark." 

Howard White, of Juliastown, Burlington County, N. J., was 
elected a member and reported his " mark." 

Mr. F. W. Earl, on behalf of the committee to procure a law 
allowing disputed boundary lines to be settled by arbitration, 
reported that the passage of such a law could not be had, and the 
committee was discharged. 

Mr. F. W. Earl reported that the law in regard to Surveyors 
writing deeds under certain penalties was repealed. 

Mr. Samuel P. Chew, and Mr. Parry, (President,) were granted 
further time to prepare the papers they were each appointed to 
read before the Society. 

Charles Stokes, Esq., of Bancocas, Bulington county, N. J., con- 
tributed a paper upon the early settements about Burlington city, 
N. J., which is valuable and interesting, and was read by Mr. 
Parry. 

A vote of thanks on behalf of the Society was extended to Mr. 
Stokes, and the Secretary was directed to inform him of such action. 

John Clement, Secretary. 
Adjourned. 



55 



A PAPER 

Read before the Association of Practical Surveyors of West New 
Jersey, at the meeting held August 11th, 18G8, prepared by Charles 
Stokes, Esq., of Rancocas, Burlington county, N. J. 

Although the history of the grants and early settlements of New 
Jersey, may be familiar to the general reader, yet it may not be 
amiss to give a brief review of some of the more prominent features. 

The early settlers upon the Hudson and Delaware rivers, were 
Dutch and Swedes, who established governments of their own. 
But in about 16G4, the British government claiming right by virtue 
of discovery, reduced the whole country under their control; and 
King Charles II, by letters patent bearing date the 20th of March, 
1664, granted unto his brother, James, Duke of York, 'his heirs and 
assigns, "all that part of the main land of New England, beginning 
at a certain place called or known by the name of St. Croix, near 
adjoining to New Scotland, in America: and from thence, extend- 
ing along the sea coast unto a certain place called Pemaquid, and 
so up the river thereof .to the furthest head of the same, as it tendeth 
northward; and extending from thence to the river Kimbrquin, 
and so upwards by the shortest course, to the river Canada, north- 
wards; and also all that island or islands commonly called by the 
name or names of Matowacks or Long Island, situate and being 
towards the west of Cape Cod, and the narrow Higansetts abutting 
upon the lands between the two rivers, there'called or known by 
the several names of Connecticut and Hudson river ; together also 
with the said river called Hudson river ; and all the land from the 
west side of Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay ; and 
also several other islands and lands in the said letters patent, men- 
tioned together, &c, &c. 

The Duke being thus seized, did by his deeds of lease and release, 
dated 23rd and 24th of June, 1664, in consideration of competent 
sum of money, grant and convey unto John, Lord Berkley, Baron 
of Stratton, one of the King's Privy Council; and Sir George 
Carteret, of Saltrum, in the county of Devon, Knight, and 
one of the Privy Council, and their heirs and assigns forever, all 
that tract of land adjacent to New England, and lying and being to 
the westward of Long Island and Manhattan Island, and bounded 
on the east part by the main sea, and part by Hudson River ; and 
hath upon the west, Delaware bay or river, and extendeth south- 
ward to the main ocean as far as Cape May, at the mouth of Dela- 
ware bay ; and to the northward as far as the northermost branch 
of the said bay or river of Delaware ; which is in 41 degrees and 40 
minutes of latitude, and crosseth over thence in a straight to Hud- 



56 

son's river, hi 4! degrees of latitude; which said tract of land is 
hereafter to he called Nova Cesaria or New Jersey ; and also all 
rivers, mines, minerals, woods, fishings, hawkings, huntings and 
fowlings, and all other royalties, profits, commodities and heredita- 
ments, whatsoever to the s\id lands and premises belonging or in 
anywise appertaining, with their and every of their appurtenances 
in as full and ample manner as the same is granted unto the said 
Duke of York, by the before recited Letters Patents. 

Berkley and Carteret, being thus sole proprietors of New Jersey, 
in order to promote settlement of their Province, agreed upon a 
Constitution or Fundamental Law, for the government of such as 
should purchase their lands and settle there. The provisions were 
considered liberal for that period. Establishing liberty of con- 
science, subject however, to the maintenance of a ministry, such as 
the General Assembly of the Province should constitute and appoint 
by their enactment. 

The General Assembly and Legislative power to be chosen and 
constituted partly by the people and partly by the proprietors. 

This was the first Constitution of New Jersey and continued in 
force until the Province became divided in 1676. 

Under this Constitution there were many settlements in the 
eastern part of the Province ; but few in the western part. Philip 
Carteret, being first Governor. 

About 167-5, Lord Berkley conveyed his one moiety or half part 
of the Province of New Jersey, to John Fenwick, in trust for 
Edward Byllinge, and his assigns. 

In 1675, Fenwick, with two daughters and many servants, (two of 
whom, Samuel Hedge and John Adams, afterwards married his 
daughters,) together with other passengers. Edward Champness, 
Edward Wade, Samuel Wade, John Smith and wife, Samuel 
Nichols, Richard Guy, Richard Noble, Richard Hancock, John 
Pledger, Hipolite Lefever, and John Matlock, all masters of fami- 
lies, in the ship Griffith from London, after a good -passage, 
landed at a "pleasant rich spot situate near Delaware," by him 
called Salem. 

This was the first English ship that came to West Jersey, and 
none followed for near two years, owing perhaps, to differences or 
difficulties between Fenwick and Byllinge in regard to the afore- 
said trust. 

This difficulty between Fenwick and Byllinge, by the good offices 
of William Penn, being settled to mutual satisfaction, Byllinge 
assigned his interest in the Province, being nine-tenths part thereof, 
to William Penn, Gawi i Lawrie, and Nicholas Lucas, for the 
.benefit of his creditors, being all he had left to satisfy their claims. 

The assignees or trustees aforesaid, divided the one moiety or half 



57 

part of West New Jersey into one hundred shares or parts, yet un- 
divided or held in common with Carteret ; and soon sold a consid- 
erable number of shares or parts to different purchasers, who thus 
became proprietors, according to their purchases in common with 
them. But in order to make sales and induce settlement, it soon 
became evident that terms and conditions should be agreed upon 
and established. 

Men in good living and in the enjoyment of the comforts of civil- 
ized life, would not readily yield these and expose themselves to a 
long sea voyage, and a wilderness life with a race of men esteemed 
savages, without an assurance that their condition or the condition 
of their posterity would receive commensurate benefit. 

Accordingly the trustees or assignees aforesaid, together with 
many who by purchase had become proprietors agreed to, and 
signed what were termed " the concessions and agreements of the 
" Proprietors, Freeholders and Inhabitants, of the Province of 
" West New Jersey, in America." 

Previously to this however, a division of the Province had been 
effected by the trustees and Carteret, in such way as to give the 
western part of the Province by the name of West New Jersey to 
those who held under Byllinge and Fenwick. 

The division line as stated by the trustees in a letter to Richard 
Hartshorne, dated London, 26th of 6th mo., 1676, runs from the east 
side of Little Egg Harbour, straight north through the country to 
the utmost branch of Delaware river ; with all powers, privileges 
and immunities, whatsoever. 

The division having been thus effected, the concessions and 
agreements aforesaid, were issued, and became the fundamental 
law for West New Jersey, and by the said letter to Richard Harts- 
horne, as there spoken of says : "We lay a foundation for after ages to 
" understand their liberty as men and Christians, that they may 
" not be brought in bondage, but by their own consent. For we 
" put the power in the people ; that is to say, they to meet and 
" choose one honest man for each Propriety, who hath subscribed 
" to the concessions. All these men to meet at an Assembly there, 
" to make and repeal laws, to choose a governor, or a commissioner, 
" and twelve assistants, to execute the laws during their pteasure ; 
" so every man is capable to choose <3r be chosen : no man to be 
" arrested, condemned, imprisoned or molested in his estate or lib- 
" erty,butbytwelvemenoftheneighbourhood; no man to lie inpris- 
*' on for debt, butthathis estate satisfy as farasit will go, and besetat 
" liberty to work ; no person to be called in question or molested 
" for his conscience, or for worshiping according to his conscience ; 
" with many more things mentioned in the said concessions." 

A reference to the concessions and agreements themselves, to be 



58 

found in the Surveyor General's office, at Burlington, will repay the 
patriotic reader, and show the care of our worthy predecessors to 
establish a platform guaranteeing to all who might settle in this 
Province, and their children after them — both civil and religious 
liberty. 

So comprehensive and perfect are the forms of government, and 
the rights of the people as laid down in these concessions; that it 
may well be doubted whether we have in any one thing improved 
in the theory and principles as established at that early day. 
Indeed, it might seem that they have served for a model for our 
state and general governments in the formation of their Constitutions. 

With regard to religious liberty, I cannot well withold the guar- 
antee as set forth at large, as follows: 

Chapter XVI. "That no man nor number of men upon earth, 
" hath power or authority to rule men's consciences in religious 
" matters. Therefore, it is consented, agreed and ordained, that no 
" person or persons whatsoever within the said Province, at any 
" time or times hereafter, shall be anyways upon any pretence 
" whatsoever, called in question ; or in the least punished or hurt, 
" either in person, estate, or privilege, for the sake of his opinion, 
«' judgment, faith, or worship, towards God, in matters of religion ; 
" but that all and every such person and persons, may from time 
11 to time, and at all times, truly and fully have and enjoy his and 
" their judgments, and the exercise of their consciences in matters 
of religious worship throughout all the said Province.'' 

These and other kindred provisions, induced many persons to 
emigrate and settle this then wilderness country ; considering the 
rights and privileges guaranteed, as sacred and inalienable as the 
titles to their lands. 

Jn 1G77 the ship Kent, Gregory Marlow, Master, being the second 
from London, arrived at New Castle, the 16th of 6 mo., O. S., and 
and brought 230 passengers. Among them were Thomas Olive, 
Daniel Wills, John Kinsey, John Penford, Joseph Helmsley, Rob- 
ert Stacy, Benjamin Scott, and Thomas Foulke, who together with 
Bichard Guy, who came in the first ship, were made Commission- 
ers, and sent by the Proprietors with power to buy the lands of the 
natives ; to inspect the rights of such as claimed property, and to 
order the lands laid out ; and in general to administer the govern- 
ment pursuant to the concessions. 

These Commissioners in pursuance of authority thus derived, 
(and also by a Commission from the Duke of Yorks' Governor 
Andros), proceeded to make purchases of the Indian natives as fol- 
lows : from the Rancocas River to the Assunpinck ; from Timber 
Creek to the Rancocas ; and from Oldman's Creek to Timber Creek ; 
and from the Province line opposite the uppermost head of the Assun- 



59 

pinck, to a point near the uppermost head of the Rancocas and Tim- 
ber Creeks, as run and agreed upon by the Indians and Commis- 
sioners. 

The Deed from Rancocas to Timber Creek bears date 10th of 
September, 1677. From Oldman's to Timber Creek 27th of Septem- 
ber, 1677. From Rancocas to Assun pinck 10th of October, 1677. 

By the consideration paid for the lands between Oldman's and 
Timber Creek, we may judge of the rest— and which was 30 match 
coats, 20 guns, 30 kettles, and one great one, 30 pair of hose, 20 
fathoms of duffields, 30 petticoats, 30 narrow hoes, 30 bars of lead, 
15 small barrels of powder, 70 knives, 30 axes, 70 combs, 60 pair of 
tobacco tongs, 60 scissors, 60 tinshaw looking-glasses, 120 awl blades, 
120 fish-hooks, 2 grasps of red paint, 120 needles, 60 tobacco-boxes, 
120 pipes, 200 bells, 100 jews-harps, 6 anchors of rum. 

The Commissioners (appointed by the Proprietors met in London, 
before the sailing of the ship Kent, in 1677,) purchased lands of the 
natives, and laid a part of it out for purchasers, and administered 
the government pursuant to the grants and concessions. 

This continued however but for a short time, changes were made 
in the mode of constituting the legislative power, and the commis- 
sioners becoming weary of their onerous duties in a country pos- 
sessing but few of the comforts of civilized life — some of them left 
and returned to England. 

And to prevent confusion — and preserve some system in so im- 
portant a matter as title to lands, the Legislative Assembly assum- 
ed the management of the location of lands to themselves— much 
after the manner first intended by the Proprietors. That is, the 
Legislative Power to manage their landed interests also. 

This continued until about 1687, or about 10 years, when the As- 
sembly declined the further superintendence of the interests espe- 
cially belonging to the Proprietors, and signified to them, that 
they might choose a convenient number of themselves to transact 
their own business. In pursuance of this decision of the Legisla- 
tive Assembly, on the 14th of February, of the same year, the Pro- 
prietors met at Burlington, and choose and elected eleven persons 
of themselves to act for the whole, for the next ensuing year. This 
continued for one year, when it was agreed that 9 would be a more 
suitable number, when an instrument of writing in form of a Con- 
stitution, was signed by the Proprietors, providing for the election 
of nine of their number who should by the name of the Council 
of Proprietors, manage the interests of the whole. 

On certain days in the counties of Burlington and Gloucester 
yearly, and every year they are chosen by the Proprietors, five at 
Burlington, and four at Gloucester. 

The first election under the new regulations, appears to have been 



60 

held by the Proprietors in a body for the whole State, at Burling- 
ton, on the 14th of 12th month, A. D. 1G87 ; and the following 
persons were elected, viz: Samuel Jennings, Thomas Olive, 
William Diddle, Elias Farr, Mahlon Stacy, Francis Daven- 
port, Andrew Robeson, William Hoyden, John Heading, William 
Cooper, and John Wills. 

About seven years previously to the permanent establishment of 
this Council of Proprietors, when the government and proprietory 
interests were conducted by the same body of men. The Proprie- 
tors in England, having chosen E. Dyllynge, Governor, and who 
in his turn appointed Samuel Jennings, his Deputy, who called an 
assembly, by whose joint action enactments were made, and regula- 
tions for location of lands established, a part whereof it may not be 
improper to notice in this place, which commences as follows : 

Forasmuch as it hath pleased God to bring us into this province of 
West New Jersey, and settle us here in safety, that we may be a 
people to the praise and honor of His name, who hath so dealt with 
us, and for the good and welfare of our posterity to come. 

AVe the Governor and Proprietors, freeholders and inhabitants of 
West New Jersey, by mutual consent and agreement for the pre- 
vention of innovation and oppression, either upon us or our pos- 
terity, and for the preservation of the peace and tranquility of the 
same ; and that all may be encouraged to go on cheerfully in their 
several places ; "we do make and constitute these our agreements to 
be as fundamentals to us and our posterity, to be held inviolable ; 
and that no person or persons whatsoever, shall or may make void 
or disannul the same, upon any pretence whatsoever." 

Then follows various laws or regulations, intended to promote the 
welfare of the province, (thirty-six in number), and requiring eight 
days. Among these was one directing that ten men from Burlington, 
and ten from Salem, should be appointed to lay out and clear a 
road, from Burlington to Salem', at the public expense. Hence the 
Salem road, (so called). 

The Commissioners under date of the 14th of 11th month, 1681, 
and who were nominated, elected and chosen by the general free 
assembly, Proprietors and Freeholdors of the province of West 
New Jersey, for the purpose of settling and regulating of lands, 
&c, among other things did provide, " that the Surveyor shall 
measure the front of the river Delaware, beginning at Assunpink 
Creek, and from thence down to Cape May, that the point of the 
compass may be found for the running the partition lines betwixt 
each tenth." 

" That no person or persons shall take up lands on both sides of 
a creek, to one settlement, except the Commissioner for the time 
being, shall see good cause for their so doing." 



61 

11 That no person or persons shall have more than forty perches 
front to the river or navigable creek, for each and every one hun- 
dred acres, except it falls upon a point so that it cannot otherwise 
be avoided ; and in such cases it shall be left to the discretion of the 
Commissioners then for the time being." 

These and many other regulations being agreed upon, were sub- 
scribed by the Commissioners as follows : Samuel Jennings, Gov- 
ernor, Thomas Olive, Robert Stacy, Thomas Budd, Daniel Wills, 
Thomas Gardiner, and Benjamin Scott. 

Fenwick, to whom a conveyance had been made in trust for 
Byllynge as aforesaid, executed a long lease to two persons by the 
name of Eldridge and Warner. And Byllinge having assigned his 
interest in West New Jersey, to William Penn, Garven Lawin, and 
Nicholas Lucas. The affairs of the province becoming complicated, 
were at length settled in such way as to allow one-tenth part to 
Fenwick, nine-tenths, or ninety hundredths parts being as of the 
estate of Byllynge. 

The Councils of Proprietors were instituted to manage this last, 
or Byllynge interest. Fenwick having claimed his tenth to be 
laid off for him at Salem, and being also ambitious to act as sole 
Proprietor, did not at first come under the regulations of the General 
Council. But this being accomplished, a Proprietor residing within 
the Fenwick tenth, was frequently elected as one of the council. 

During the early years of the settlement of West Jersey, (.here ap- 
pears to have been much irregularity in the mode of making sur- 
veys. Fenwick not only undertook to grant manors and lands, but 
to establish a separate government. But none of his grants for 
specific tracts or parts of land were recognized as valid, except the 
land and marsh laid out for Salem Town. Grants by him and his 
executors, and by his assigns of undivided rights were received by 
the council to the extent of his ten dividends, as a sufficiet founda- 
tion for warrants of survey. Many of them were not presented to 
the council, and were not recorded in the office at Burlington ; but 
are found in Bevil's Book of Surveys, in the office of Secretary of 
State, at Trenton, and appear to have been made under direction of 
James NevillFenwick's, Secretary (and afterwards agent of William 
Penn) a large Proprietor in his own right, and as one of Fenwick's 
Executors ; others are contained in Leeds' Book of Surveys — also in 
Secretary's office at Trenton. 

A dividend of each Proprietor's share was first fixed at five thou- 
sand two hundred acres— but this was soon enlarged to twenty-five 
thousand acres. Fenwick arid his assigns were credited with ten. 
Six additional dividendswere made, making in the whole thirty-five 
thousand acres to each Proprietor. The owner of a fraction being 
entitled to his proportionate part. 



62 

These dividends would make for the whole amount of lahds in 
West Jersey, three millions and five hundred thousand acres, much 
more than is found within its boundaries. But a large number of 
rights have never been claimed, and it is not known who are en- 
titled to them. Neither is it known, the actual number of acres 
which have been located ; and in many cases the same lands have 
been covered by different surveys. 

It was intended at the first settlement to run out the province 
into ten parts, called tenths fronting on the Delaware river. But this 
does not appear to have been carried out only to a limited extent. 
Counties having been established, and taking the place of tenths, 
as better suiting the convenience of the settlers. It appears that 
Burlington county included two-tenths, Gloucester one, and Salem 
one, making four, and besides these does not appear. 

In the election of the Council of Proprietors to have the care of the 
Proprietors interests and the location of their lands, it appears to 
be the established usage, (the origin of which is unknown) That 
the Proprietor of a thirty-second part of a hundredth or full pro- 
priety — has the right to vote, and also the right to be elected a 
member of the council. 

The owner of a specified number of acres of unappropriated 
rights; but having no interest in an undivided remainder has no 
right to vote. 

Many of the original Proprietors never came into the province, 
and no heirs nor assigns having claimed their rights. It is believed 
the number who now claim, as full Proprietors does not exceed 
twenty, while others hold a fractional part down to a one thirty- 
second part. 

It appears that in or about the year 1G77, there were two compa- 
nies formed in England, each taking one tenth of the whole, or ten 
proprietory rights, and according to the dividend aforesaid, would 
allot to each of these companies three hundred and fifty thousand 
acres. 

One of the companies was formed in Yorkshire and one in Lon- 
don. Each accordingly appointed commissioners to locate its 
tenth. Joseph Helmsley, William Emley, and Robert 
Stacy, commissioners for the Yorkshire Company, chose 
from the Falls of Delaware down ; and this was called thefirst tenth. 

The London Commissioners consisting of John Penford, Thomas 
Olive, Daniel Wills, and Benjamin Scott, who chose for the tenth 
at "Arwaumus," called second tenth, about where the town of 
Gloucester now stands ; and were about to make provision to settle 
there. Whereupon the Yorkshire men proposed to the London 
men that if they would fix by them they would unite in settling a 
town. All being of the religious order known as Friends or 



63 

Quakois, as indeed were all or nearly so of the original proprietors 
and settlers, it was but natural that the London Company should 
embrace the offer of their Yorkshire Friends, and join in the settle- 
ment of the town. 

Accordingly a site was fixed upon for the town, and a surveyor 
by the name of Noble, who came in the first ship, was employed to 
make division of the land between the two companies, and which 
was done by running out the main street from the river Delaware 
as now opened. The Yorkshire Company to take on the upper, and 
the London Company on the lower side of the street. 

The main street thus laid out and established, the Commissioners 
continued Noble, the surveyor, to lay out ten lots ; one for each of 
the proprietors, of nine acres each, ten on the upper side of the 
street, and ten on the lower side of the same. 

Among the early settlers in the neighborhood of the town, now 
the city of Burlington, were Thomas Olive, of Willingboro, in 
England, and who was one of the early Governors of the province. 
Daniel Wills of Northampton, in England, one of the commission- 
ers and Governor's council. William Peachy, William Clayton, 
John Crips, Thomas Eves, Thomas Harding, Thomas Nositer, 
Thomas Famsworth, Morgan Drewitt, William Penston, Samuel 
Jennings, William Hibbs, Samuel Lovett, John Woolston, William 
Woodmancy, Christopher Saunders, Thomas Stokes, Robert Powell 
and Samuel Jennings. 

It is thought that many of these after a short stay emigrated to 
Pennsylvania— then about to be settled, under the auspices of Wil- 
liam Penn, and his wise and benevolent government, while others 
remained, located land, raised families and contributed by their 
industry and virtues to build up a community which has exercised 
an influence for good to the piesent day. Among these we may 
particularize as follows: Thomas Olive located a large tract of 
land on the north bank of the Rancocas river and built a grist mill 
on a stream of water now known as Mill Creek, in the township of 
Willingboro, a little below the bridge over the creek of the Beverly 
and Mount Holly turnpike road. 

The township of Willingboro is supposed to have taken its name 
from Willingboro in England from whence Thomas Olive emigrated. 
Thomas Olive from the time of his arrival in 1677 to his decease 
about 1692 was one of the most useful in the province. He officiated 
as commissioner in laying out lands, legislator, governor, member 
of the Council of Proprietors, justice of the peace, and also as a 
minister of the gospel among Friends— having been imprisoned 
and otherwise a sufferer for his religion in England, and by his 
conduct both public and private merited general love and esteem to 
the last. In his conduct as a magistrate he often heard the parties ; 



64 

he sitting on a stump in his meadow, and seldom failed to settle 
their differences without much expense and generally to satisfaction, 
being more desirous to accommodate matters than promote liti- 
gation. 

The property in Willingboro located by him remained pretty 
much together without division notwithstanding sundry convey- 
ances until near the decease of Solomon Ridgeway, who was the 
late sole proprietor up to 1790. A large part still remained in the 
name of Ridgway, until quite lately, Benjamin Ridgway, grand- 
sou of Solomon, having conveyed to four different persons a part to 
each, of the original tract, comprising together four or five hun- 
dred acres. 

SAMUEL JENNINGS. 

Perhaps no one person exercised more influence in moulding the 
early institutions of the province than he. Likewise he filled all 
the civil officers of state up to Proprietory Governor ; was eminent 
as a gospel minister among Friends ; was fearless in defending and 
advocating civil and religious liberty ; was Speaker of the General 
Assembly at the time of their memorable controversy with Lord 
Cornbury, Queen Anne's cousin, and by her appointment Crown 
Governor of New Jersey, and by his intrepidity contributed much 
toward having him removed and Lord Lovelace substituted in his 
stead. He located much land and among the several tracts was a 
large one about two miles south-easterly from Burlington, upon 
which he erected a mansion and made it a dwelling for himself. 
This has long since passed out of his family and was subsebuently 
owned by Dr. Parrish, now deceased, who made some repairs to 
the old mansion and made also an addition thereto. The building 
was frame, of large and strong timber, which is still sound and with 
proper care may endure many coming centuries. The building is 
in a state of good preservation, and will well repay a pilgrimage 
of the antiquarian capable of appreciating Samuel Jenning's services 
in the cause of liberty and self-government— it being as is supposed 
the last remaining habitation of any of the early Governors of the 
American provinces. Samuel Jennings had but three children who 
were all daughters and who married three brothers by the name of 
Stephenson. A part of the original tract of land connected with 
the homestead still remains in the family and name of Stephen- 
son. 

DANIEL WILLS. 

Located five hundred acres of land on the north side of Rancoca3 
river, and having emigrated from Northampton in England, and 
being conspicuous in the early settlements as commissioner to locate 
land, and as one of the Governor's council, it is thought he con- 



65 

tributed to give the name to Northampton township where he 
lived, and the river upon which he located, the latter being for 
many \ears known as " Northampton river." 

About 1698 he went to Barbadoes to look after the estate of his 
deceased brother William, where he died and was interred in the 
Friend's burial ground on that island. 

The oldest son J tmes, married Elizabeth Cooper, daughter of 
William Cooper, of Pyne Point. 

The sen of Daniel settled at Eyer3towu, Burlington county, and 
left a large family of children. 

John Wills, another son, settled on Rancocas river, on the location 
before named, and had eleven children. John and James, two of 
his sons, settled in the northern part of this State. Hope married 
Freedom Lippincott. Jane married Samuel Eves. Elizabeth 
married Samuel Lippincott. Ann married Jonathan Ladd. 
S.irah married Joshua Lord. Rebecca married William Tomlinson, 
and Mary, who also married, but to whom it is not now known. 

Daniel, another son of John, is the person through whom the 
"Wills," who reside on the original location on the Rancocas, and 
now owned by Aaron and Daniel Wills, trace their lineage, being 
the sixth generation in the name, and the land but one transfer by 
deed. 

JOHN CRIPPS. 

John Cripps appears to have been a useful and influential man, 
and in 1681 located three hundred acres in terms as follows :=•' Sur- 
veyed then for John Cripps, one parcel of land abutting on Ranco- 
cas creek southward, and from a certain white oak tree marked with 
I. C. It stretches itself northeast and by east two hundred and 
eighty -four rods to a black oak marked I. C. Then northwest two 
hundred and seventy rods to another black oak marked as afore- 
said, from which by a south, southwest course, it reaches the said 
creek again through a swamp, wherein grows store of Holly, to a 
white oak by the creek marked as before, within which tract of 
land is a mountain, to which the province east, south, west and 
north, sends a beautiful aspect, named by the owner thereof Mount 
Holly." 

JOHN WOOLSTON. 

John Woolston, settled in the town or city of Burlington, and at 
his house was held the meetings for worship of the Friends in the 
early settlements. He was a worthy citizen, and ancestor of numer- 
ous and respectable descendants in the county of Burlington. He 
married Hannah, a daughter of William Cooper, of Pyne Poiut, 
now Camden city, opposite Philadelphia. 



S6 



THOMAS STOKES. 

Thomas Stokes, one of the first settlers, had four sons and two 
daughters, as follows: — John married Elizabeth Green, and settled 
on the north bank of Rancocas river on the farm the most part cf 
which is still in possession of his descendants. Charles Stokes aud 
Israel I. Stokes' lard having been transmitted by will from father 
to son, Charles being the fourth and Israel I. the fifth generation in 
succession. 

Thomas Stokes married Deliverance Horner, she deceased, aud 
he married Rachel Wright of Long Island. He settled in Water- 
f nd township, Gloucester county, and had a large family of children, 
who by marriage are connected with the Ma tlacks, Haines, Lambs, 
Cowperthwaites, Conrows, Hinchmans, Hillmans, Pines, Brown- 
ings and Collins. 

Joseph Stokes married Judith, a daughter of Freedom and Mary 
Lippincott, and after her decease he married Ann, the widow of 
John Haines. He settled in Chester township, Burlington county, 
and had fourteen children. His daughters intermarried with the 
Coles, Goslins, Aliens, Roberts, Evans, Morgans, Rogers, and 
Chambers. 

The present Doctors Stokes' of Moorestown, Burlington county, 
are of this division of the family, and the name has become numer- 
ous, not only in New Jersey, but in several other States of the 
Union, from the foregoing three brothers. The name of the fourth 
I am not able to discover, but tradition says he settled in North 
Carolina, and from this branch the name is quite numerous. 

THOMAS HARDING. 
"^ Thomas Hardinglocated two hundred and fifty acres on the north 
side of Rancocas river. He was conspicuous as a Friend, was im- 
prisoned in England for his religion, and the first meeting estab- 
lished at Rancocas for worship was held at his house. I have no 
account of the family he left. After his decease, his executor, John 
Wills, sold his farm to John Stokes, son of Thomas aforesaid. This 
being the only deed for a large part of the farm to the present day, 
it having descended from father to son, by will as aforesaid. 

JOHN PAINE. 

John Paine located two hundred acres on the north side of the 
Rancocas for Thomas Green, between lands of Daniel Wills and 
Thomas Harding, which was first settled by John Stokes, whose 
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Green, and where a son of 
Thomas afterwards owned and resided. 



67 

Immediately below the Stokes' farms or the Rancocas we find 
the following locations:— One of 325 acres to William Evans, one of 
2i0 acres to Robert Hudson, one of 600 acres to Thomas French, one 
of 68 acres to John Roberts, one of 100 acres to Thomas Eves, and 
one of 636 a'*res to Thomas Olive, and who married Mary, a daughter 
of Daniel Wills. The last named surveys extended from the Ran- 
cocas to Olives mill creek. 

Some six or seven hundred acres of the Evans, Hudson and 
French's locations as aforesaid, were conveyed to William Frank- 
lin, son of the celebrated philosopher, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, about 
the time of the commencement of the Revolutionary war. He was 
appointed Governor of the Province by the Crown, and made the 
place his residence; enclosed between one and two hundred acres 
with a ditch and fence for a park, where he had a large number of 
deer. 

In about 1776. his loyalty to the mother country brought him 
into collision with the legislature or convention sitting at Burling- 
ton, and not summoned by his authority. And as a consequence he 
was arrested at his dwelling at the Park, by order of the Conven- 
tion, and taken before them ; and after a time banished to Connec- 
ticut, and from there was sent, or permitted to go to England, and 
never returned to this country. 

In England, he made a deed for the above property to his son, 
William Temple Franklin, who took possession of the same, 
known as Franklin Park, and so continued to be known to the 
present time. Since then, however, the tract has been divided, and 
is now owned by some ten or dozen persons. 

The old Gosernor's mansion was destroyed by fire some twenty- 
five years since ; and a new one erected nearly on the same site, is 
now owned and occupied by Richard Buzby. 

Adjoining Daniel Wills' survey of 500 acres on the Rancocas river, 
and up the river, or easterly, John Borton located 125 acres. John 
Wolman located 150 acres adjoining, Walter Humphreys located 
about 400 acres, and Barnard Devonish located 400 acres, and John 
Stokes, an English proprietor who never cameto this country, loca- 
ted 150 acres conveyed to and settled by Thomas Stokes, (his 
brother), and the common ancestors of the Stokes family aforesaid. 

Thomas Gardiner also located 229 acres, and then a location of 

acres, the owner not ascertained, except Anthony Elton, who ad- 
joins Gardiner's survey, but the dimensions of Elton's survey not 
known. 

Adjoining Anthony Elton, and about forty chains from the creek 
easterly, Walter Clark and Anthony Cook located one thousand 
acres, and adjoining Clark and Cook on the north, Samuel Jennings 
located a survey to the east of Clark and Cook, and extending 



68 

partly to the north branch of Kancocas river, a survey of 500 acres 
was taken up for Mary Perkins. Easterly and southeasterly of 
Mary Perkins survey and bounding on the north branch of Ranco- 
cas, Richard Fen i more located 90 acres. In the same direction, but 
not extending to the Rancocas, Laurance Morris located 50 acres, 
and easterly of the two last named surveys, John Cripps took up 
his Mount Holly survey as before named. 

EDWARD CATHERAL. 

About the year 1684 Edward Catheral had surveyed to him 300 
acres of land fronting on the Delaware river, including the lower 
part of Edgwater as now laid out by the Mandersons. 

It is pretty clearly ascertained that the old Dunks ferry tract, 
upon which the city of Beverly in built was located by John Wills, 
and the survey contained about 300 acres of land ; a different per- 
son, however, from John, the son of Daniel Wills, as heretofore 
referred to. On the decease of John, the proprietor of thi-= property, 
he left one son and several daughters. It is understood one mar- 
ried Joseph Fenimore, who became the owner, and in this name 
it descended from father to son for several generations. 

The name of the ierry was derived from the owner of the oppo- 
site or Pennsylvania shore, by the name of Dunk. This ferry was 
long known as the best crossing for horses and wagons upon the 
whole Delaware river, not even excep ing Philadelphia, and so 
continued until the introduction of horse and steam boats, some 
sixty years since. 

SCOTT and BIDDLE. 

Benjamin Scott and William Biddle located jointly— 635 acres 
bounded by the Delaware river, by lands of William Heulings on 
the upper side, and William Peacheeon the lower side. This tract 
of land is situate above the city of Burlington. 

It is believed that all, or nearly all the foregoing persons were 
Friends, or people called Quakers. They early instituted meetings 
for public worship in different sections, and most of which remain 
to the present day. 

The early records of their business meetings afford matter for in- 
teresting research, not only as regards their church affairs, but as a 
means of tracing genealogies and neighborhood matters, for it was 
here their controversies were settled and not in the courts of law. 



69 



January 5, 1869. 
The annual meeting of the Association was held this day at the 
West Jersey Hotel, Camden, N. J., the Hon. William Parry, Presi- 
dent in the chair. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 
The report of the Treasurer was submitted, approved and filed. 
Josiah F. Peacock, of Medford, Burlington County, N. J., was 
elected a member and reported his " mark." 

George E. Gaskill, of Mount Holly, Burlington County, N. J., 
was elected a member and reported his " mark." 

William Arratt, of Glassboro', Gloucester County, N. J., was 
elected a member and reported his " mark." 

William House, of Salem, Salem County, N. J., was elected a 
member and reported his "mark." 

George H. Harker, of Wrightstown, Burlington County, N. J., 
was elected a member and reported his " mark." 

James Lippincott, Esq., reported the death of Amos J. Maple, a 
member of the Association, which was ordered to be entered in 
the proceedings. . 

William Arratt, Esq., reported the death of Benjamin C, Downs, 
a member of the Association, which was ordered to be entered in 
the l •roceedin° r s. 

On motion of Mr. Irick, the Secretary was ordered to have all 
papers read before the Society, to this date, as well as the proceed- 
ings of the same printed in pamphlet form ready for distribution 
at the next meeting, and the Treasurer was directed to assess a tax 
of two dollars on each member, to defray the expenses of tne same. 
Mr Parry, (President,) read an interesting paper before the 
Society, upon the early settlements of Cinnaminson Township 
Burlington County, N. J., for which a vote of thanks were extended 
to him, and the same was ordered to be published. 

Mr. Arratt was appointed to prepare and read before the Society 
at the next meeting, a history of the settlement of Vineland 

Clayton Lippincott, Esq., was appointed to prepare and read 
before the Society at the next meeting, a history ol the first settle- 
ments about Moorestown, Burlington County, N.J. 

This leing the Annual Meeting, the following persons were elec- 
ted Officers for the ensuing year: 
President— Hon. William Parry. 

Vice Presidents-Simeon Cook, William House, William Arratt. 
Treasurer— Clayton Lippincott. 

Standing Committee- Henry J. Irick, John H. Doughty. 
Secretary— John Clement. 



70 

It being deemed expedient that the Society should have some 
place suitable for their meetings where the papers of the Associa- 
tion and all matters of historical interest might be received and 
safely kept; a committee was appointed to make inquiry in this 
regard. The President appointed the following members: 

Henry J. Irick, James Lippincott, Clayton Lippincott, Ezra 
Stokes and John Clement. 

Adjourned. John Clement, 

Secretary. 



71 



CINNAMINSON TOWNSHIP. 

The following paper upon the early history and settlement ot 
Cinnaminson township was read before the West New Jersey Sur- 
veyors' Association at their annual meeting, held in Camden, on 
the 11th instant, by William Parry, Esq. 

Cinnaminson Township about which I was appointed to report is 
of recei.t date, being set off from the township of Chester, in the 
county of Burlington, N. J., by an act of the Legislature, passed 
March 15th, 1860, by a line extending from Rudderow's Bridge 
over the south branch of Pennsaukin creek, to the bridge over 
Hackney's Run, near the Rancocas creek, by which it is bounded 
on the east, and by the Delaware river on the norlh, and the Penn- 
saukin creek on the west, and is drained by two other streams on 
which there are several mills for the manufacture of flour and lum- 
ber, running northward to the Delaware river at convenient distan- 
ces from each other and the creeks, so that all parts of the township 
are well supplied with streams, and a gently undulating surface 
between them to carry off the water. 

Being about three miles in width and over five in length upon 
the river front, contains about ten thousand acres of land, mostly 
sandy, early and very productive. It is well adapted to raising 
grain, vegetables and choice fruits, and immense quantities are 
grown here for the Philadelphia and New York markets, carried 
on sloops, steamboats and turnpikes; and the Camden and Amboy 
Railroad, connecting the two greatest cities in the Union, pitsses 
through the whole length of this township, rendering unusual 
facilities to the inhabitants, whose number now exceeds three 
thousand. There are several towns of considerable importance, 
such as Westfield, Riverton, Bridgeborough, Progress, Palmyra 
and Pennsaukin. There are four post offices, churches, stores, and 
mechanics of all kinds, amply sufficient to supply the requirements 
of the neighborhood. 

Lying and situate on the river and between the two creeks, there 
are twelve miles of navigable tide water front, on which there are 
numerous wharves for the landing of heavy articles, such as coal, 
lumber, lime, manure, and other fertilizers, affording excellent 
accommodations to the farmers and fruit growers, who do not fail 
to embrace the opportunities within their reach, as will appear 
from the report of some of their crops. The premium crop of corn 
yielded one hundred and three bushels per acre, and forty bushels 
of wheat per acre have been grown. 



72 

The soil and climate are admirably adapted to the growth of 
fruits. Sixty acres of peaches have been grown on a single farm. 
Apples, pears and cherries flourish finely, and even small fruits are 
very profitable. Within the last five years there have been grown 
in this township over ten thousand bushels of strawberries, three 
thousand bushels of raspberries, and five thousaud bushels of culti- 
vated blackberries, making in all eighteen thousand one hundred 
and fifty-four bushels of those three berries, which brought for the 
growers thereof $95,043, as the reward for their labor. 

For the earlier history we must refer to the township of Chester 
from which Cinnaminson was taken, as before stated. The river 
front of this township was formerly called Cinnaminson, the In- 
dian name for sweet water, there being many sugar maple trees 
growing there, to tap which the Indians came from the interior of 
the State, in early Spring, to draw the sap, Cinnaminson, or sweet 
water, and carry it home to mix with their food. 

About thirty years since when the post office was established at 
the village of Westfield, there being an office of that name in Last 
Jersey, it became necessary, according to the good regulations of 
the post office department, to adopt some name not used for the 
same purpose in any other part of the State, and Cinnaminson being 
free from that objection was agreed upon, and thus the ancient 
title to the shore will be perpetuated through the post office and 
township to future generations. The name of Westfield being 
taken from the location of the first school house built there by the 
Society of Friends, in Thomas Lippincott's West Field, at which 
there were ample provisions made for the education of the youth ; 
not only the children of Friends, but colored children, and others 
of the neighborhood freely partook of learning to qualify them for 
business, long before the establishment of a public school system by 
the State. Some of the first settlers of this State located on and 
between the two branches of Pennsaukin creek, which forms the 
south-west boundary of both Chester and Cinnaminson township. 

William Matlack, the ancestor of the principal families of that 
name now residing here, came fiom Notinghamshire, in Great 
Britain, in the ship Kent, Captain Gregory IMarlow, with Thomas 
Olive and Daniel Wills, which ship came to Sandy Hook near 
Perth Amboy, and thence to Chester, on the Delaware river, the 
16th of 6th mo., 1677, where the people left the ship and went up 
the river in small boats to the place where Purlington was after- 
wards built, then called Chygoe's Island, from an Indian Sachem 
who lived there. The town of Burligton being laid out the fol- 
lowing autumn by a surveyor named Richard Noble, who came 
over two years previous in the ship Griffith, from London, and 
landed at Salem in 1675, being the first English ship that came to 



73 

West Jersey. He was employed by two companies called respec- 
tively the Yorkshire and London Companies, in honor of the places 
from whence they came, who having agreed to settle near each 
other and unite their strength in building a town, had Main street 
run as now opened from the river. The Yorkshire Company hav- 
ing their lots run off on the east and the London Company taking 
theirs on the west of said Main street. Hence the names of the 
two bridges on either Bide of Burlington, viz: Yorkshire and Lon- 
don Bridges. 

William Matlack was the first man of the company that put his 
foot on the said Island. He served four years with Thomas Olive, 
and being a carpenter, helped to build two of the first frame 1 ousea 
in Burlington, one for John Woolston, and the other for Thomas 
Gardener, which were finished in the summer of 1678, and in which 
Friend^ held their religious meetings, until after the decease of 
Thomas Gardner's widow, when they built a brick meeting house. 

He also assisted Thomas Olive to build his water mill on his 
plantation in Willingborojgh, near Kancocas river, which was 
finished in 1680, being the first water mill that ground corn for the 
new settlers. 

He married Mary Hancock, in the sixteenth year of her age. — 
She came from Brayles, in Warwickshire in old England, in the 
ship " Paradise," Captain Evele, on the 7th of March, 1681. Her 
brother, Timothy Hancock, came with her and paid the passage 
money, so she came in free. 

On the 14th of November, 1682, William Matlack located one 
hundred acres ; Timothy Hancock located one hundred acres ; John 
Roberts located two hundred and eighty-seven acres, in the second 
tenth, now Burlington county, adjoining each other, and between 
parallel lines extending from the North to the South branch of Cim- 
issick (alias Penisaukin creek), which name is derived from the 
Indian town or settlement located thereon, called Penisaukin.— 
The boundaries of one of those tracts as taken from Revell's Book 
of Surveys may illustrate the manner of locating lands : 

" Surveyed then for John Roberts one tract of land laying at an 
Indian town called Penisaukin, between two branches of Cimissick 
creek, beginning at a black oak for a corner at the more North 
branch ; and runs thence south-west ninety eight chains to a red 
oak marked for a corner at the more south branch ; then up by the 
said branch twenty-nine chains to a white oak for a corner ; thence 
north-east ninety chains to the said north branch to a white oak for 
a fourth corner, so down the said creek to the corner fhst aforesaid. 
Surveyed for two hundred and eighty-seven acres." 

Timothy Hancock's one hundred acres being eleven chains in 
width was located next above John Roberts ; and William Mat- 
lack's one hundred acres of the same width, was located next above 
Timothy Hancock's land. 



74 

William Clark in 1684 took up one hundred acres between the 
two branches of said Penisaukin creek, lying on the lower side of 
John Roberta' track. Much care was observed by the early settlers 
to maintain friendly relations with the Indians. John Roberts, 
Timothy Hancock, William Matlack and others, the first who set- 
tled at Puiisaulcin, apprehended it would be advantageous to them 
and their families, to have the friendship and good liking- of the 
Indian natives, who were at this time many, and they were but 
few, took care to purchase from them by deed, that good understand- 
ing, being as follows: 

" Know all people, that I, Tallaca, have had and received from 
John Roberts, with the consent of the neighborhood at Penisaukin, 
one match coat, one little runlet of rum, and two bottles of rum. — 
In consideration whereof I, the said Tallaca, do hereby grant, 
bargain and sell unto the said John Roberts, Timothy Hancock, 
and William Matlack, all those plantations at Penisaukin, promis- 
ing forever to defend the said John R< berts &c, from otl er Indi- 
ans laying any claim thereto. In witness whereof I the said Tal- 
lnea have hereunto set my hand and seal, the twelfth day of April, 
1684. 

Witness, Tallaca. [Seal.] 

Nackontakene, 

QlJEIECKOLEN, 
NOTTHOMON, 

GlMIESS Jacobyh, 
Falikn Chess, 
Thomas Eves." 

Some of the old Indian deeds are still preserved, and are quite in- 
teresting to look over, showing how rude and simple an instrument 
was sufficient to bind both parties before they became educated to 
the tricks of trade. 

The following notice of the early settlement of Burlington by the 
English, written by Mary Smith, a Friend, who arrived with the 
primative colonists when she was only four years of age, may not be 
out of place here, viz: 

" Robert Mifiin and Ann his wife, living in Notinghamshire, 
England, had one daughter born there 2d mo. 4th, 1674, named 
Mary, (the writer of this account, who married the first Daniel 
Smith of Burlington,) after that they had a son called Robert. Some 
time after it came into their minds to move themselves and family 
into West Jersey, in America, and in order thereto they went to 
Hull, and provided provisions suitable for their necessary occasions, 
such as flour, (fine,) butter, cheese, with other suitable commodities 
in good store. Then took their passage in the good ship the Shields, 
of Stockton, with Mahlon Stacy, Thomas Lambert, and many more 
families of good repute and worth. And in the voyage there were 
two died and two born ; so that they landed as many as they took 
on board. 



75 

And after about sixteen weeks sailing or on board, they arrived 
at Burlington in the year 1678, this being the first ship that was 
ever known to come so high up the Delaware river. The ship Grif- 
fith, which arrived in 1675, having stopped at Salem, and the 
English that came in the ship Kent, in 1677, landed lower down the 
river at Chester, and were gotten up in small vessels to Burlington 
before us, and were so consented to by the Indians. 

"Then they landed and made some such dwellings as they could 
for the present time; some in caves, and others in palisade houses 
secured. The Indians were very numerous, but very civil, for the 
most part ; bought corn and venison, and sold the English for such 
things as they needed, so that the said English had some new sup- 
ply to heip their old stock, which may well be attributed to the 
good hand of Providence, so to preserve and provide in such a 
wilderness. 

"The first comers with the others that came near that time, made 
an agreement with the Indians for their land, being after this man- 
ner: "From the river to such and such creeks; and was to be paid 
for in goods after this manner: "Say so many match coats, guns, 
hatchets, hoes, kettles, two full boxes, with other materials, all in 
number as agreed upon by both Indians and English." When 
these goods were gotten from England, and the Indians paid, then 
the above mentioned people surrendered some part of the land to 
settle themselves near the river — for they did not dare to go far 
from it at first. 

I must not forget that these valiant subjects both to God and 
their King, did buy their land in old England before they entered 
upon this agreement, and after all this, did submit themselves to 
mean living, taking it with thankfulness, mean and coarse; as 
pounding Indian corn one day for the next day ; for there was no 
mill except some few steed mills, and we thought so well of this 
kind of hard living, that I never heard them say, "I would I had 
never come," which is worth observing, considering how plenti- 
fully they lived in England. 

It seems no other than the hand of God, so to send them to pre- 
pare a place for the future generations. I wish they that come 
alter, may consider these things, aud not be like the children of 
Israel alter they were settled in the land of Canaan, forgetting the 
God of their fathers, and following their own vanities, and bring 
displeasure instead of the blessing of God upon themselves, which 
fall and loss will be very great on all such. 

Now to return to Robert Miflin, and his wife, after they came 
into this land ; they had one son called John, and in the year 1681, 
they had another called Will>am, and in the year 1684 they had a 
daughter called Johannah ; Robert and John died young. It may 



76 

be observed how God's providence made room for us in a wonderful 
manner in taking away the Indians. "There came a distemper, 
(this was the small-pox, brought among them by the colonists, 
which, from the manner of treatment, by sweating and then j lung- 
ing into cold water, was very fatal,) amongst them so mortal, that 
they could not bury all the dead. Others went away, leaving their 
towns. It was said that an old Indian King spoke prophetically 
before his death, and said. '■The English should increase, and the 
Indians decrease.'' " 

Thomas Wallis in 1695 located 250 acres of land, including his 
former settlement on the north side of the north branch of Penisau- 
kin creek, adjoining lands of Thomas French, Josiah Applegate, 
Thomas Hooten and John Adams, on the 10th of April, 1697, in 
company with others, purchased the Canoe swamp. On the 9th of 
Decern her, 1702, a town meeting was held at his dwelling-house, 
and occasionally for several years thereafter ; he being frequently 
elected to fill important positions in the township. By his will he 
devised three several tracts of land to his wife, Ann, during her 
life-time, and three to go to his brother, Robert Wallis ; said land 
was afterwards re-surveyed to said Robert Wallis's two daughters, 
Margery Webb and Esther Banks, who sold and conveyed it to 
Thomas Coperthwaite, for £270. 

Thomas Wallis was one of the trustees named for half an acre of 
ground set apart for a burying place, Pennisaukin, in the township 
of Chester, dated 30th of 9th mo., (Nov.,) 1G92. Said burying place 
is now within the bounds of William Haines' farm, on the north 
branch of Penisaukin Creek, a little above the Moorestown and 
Camden turnpike road, and in 1824 the inscription on a tomb-stone 
was visible, as follows : 

"Who are't thou art that passeth by, 
Look on this place, see how we lie. 
And for thy soul be sure care take, 
For when death comes 'twill be too late." 

Also, on the other side, "for the'memnry of Thomas Wallis, who 
died wealthy, 1705." 

And on another stone, T. W., 1705; said stones having been used 
for building purposes, but little trace of the old burying ground 
can now be found. 

Phillip Wallis. the great, great grand-father of John Wallace, 
Senior, now living in Cinnaminson, came from England, and does 
not appear to be connected with Thomas Wallis, of whom mention 
has been made. 

Phillip Wallis was born in 1666, purchased land of Judiah Adams 
and Charles Steelman, on the northeast side of Pennisaukin creek 
near the river Delaware, built and dwelt thereon, and left it to his 



77 

children, a portion of which is still held and occupied hy said John 
Wallace, Sr., who was the son of Thomas Wallace, deceased in 1832. 

Thomas Wallace was the son of John Wallace, who was the son 
of the aforesaid Phillip Wallis, who died 2mo., 20th, 174G, some 
years hefore the erection of St. Mary's church at Colestown, in 1751, 
at which place his remains now rest; where they were first interred 
does not appear by the record. 

Freedom Lippincott located several tracts of land on Penisaukin 
creek, married Mary Wills, and lived at the ferry on Ancocas creek 
where the public highway was marked out in l(>82-3 from Burling- 
ton to Salem, and had the following named children : 

Samuel, Thomas, (who married Mary Haines,) Judith, (who mar- 
ried Joseph Stokes,) Mary and Freedom. 

Thomas Lippincott, the second son of Freedom and Mary Lippin- 
cott, purchased by deed, dated 8th mo., 24th, 1711, of Thomas Steven- 
son, a tract of Jand in the present township of Cinnaminson, begin- 
ning on the northeast side of Pennsaukin Creek, a little above the 
forks, now called Ford Landing, and corner to R >bert Stile's land ; 
thence by the same north sixty-eight degrees, east seventy-eight 
chains; thence north, north-west by the head lines of the farms, 
fronting on the said Pennsaukin Creek, seventy-four chains to the 
head line of the Cinnaminson farms, fronting on the Delaware river ; 
thence along said line, north sixty-eight degrees, east sixty-eight 
chains to Sweedes' Run, or Pompession Craek, (which last line I 
have had occasion to run this winter and find the course now bears 
north sixty-five degrees, thirty minutes east;) thence up Pompession 
Creek the several courses thereof to the corner of Joseph Stokes' 
land ; thence leaving said stream and running by several lines, the 
general course of which is a southwesterly direction to the aforesaid 
Penisaukin Creek ; thence down the several courses thereof, to the 
place of beginning; containing ten hundred and thirty-four acres, 
besides the usual allowance for highways, extending from Pennsau- 
kin Creek to Sweedes' Run aforesaid. 

The said Thomas Lippincott was married to Mary, daughter of 
John and Esther Haines, of Evesham Township, 9th mo., 1711, and 
settled on thesaid tract of land where were born to them Nathaniel, 
5th mo., 2d, 1713, married Mary Engle; Isaac married Hannah 
Engle; Th< masmarried Rebecca Eldridge ; Abigail married Thomas 
Wallis; Esther married John Roberts. The said Thomrs Lippin 
cott was a useful man, and repeatedly elected to fill important offices 
in the township, in the years 1715, '17, '22, '25, '26, '38 and '43. Died 
5th mo. 9th, 1757. 

Nathaniel Lippincott, eldest son of Thomas and Mary, married 
4th mo., 1736, Mary, daughter of John and Mary Engle, and re- 



78 

moved to settle in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and had 
several children, John, Caleb, Seth, Grace, and others. 

John Lippincott, eldest son of Nathaniel and Mary, married 
Anna, daughter of John and Hannah Matlack, and settled at the 
dwelling place of his grandfather, Thomas Lippincott, first men- 
tioned ( ,n the aforesaid ten hundred and thirty-four acre tract, and 
had children as follows; Abigail, who died young; Thomas, born 
14th of 11th mo., 1756; John, Barzilla, and Aquilla. 

Thomas Lippincott, eldest son of John and Anna, married 14th 
of 2d mo., 1782, Lydia, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Burr, and 
settled on a part of the ten hundred and thirty-four acre tract, 
devised to him by his father's will, and had children as follows: 
Anna married Henry Warrington ; Joseph Burr married Hepza- 
bah Roberts; Seth married Miriam Williams; John married 
Sarah Starr ; Marmaduke and Charles. 

The grand children of Seth Lippincott, still hold the farm on 
which he formerly resided, being a part of the aforesaid tract, the 
balance having been disposed of to other parties; the writer of this 
article now holding over two hundred acres of it. 

Much of the foregoing has been obtained from a hasty inspection 
of some of the papers, preserved by Asa Matlack, during his life 
time, who was a close observer of passing events, and collected 
many items very interesting and instructive to inquiring minds, 
■wishing information on local matters since the first settlement of 
our country. There may be found the records of the first town 
meetings, measures taken for the establishment of schools, churches, 
and places of worship. The history of families' births, deaths, mar- 
riages and settlements. The location and boundaries of our hinds, 
and much other matter that well repay a more careful examination. 






79 



August 10, 1869. 

The Stated Meeting of the Society was held this day at the West 
Jersey Hotel, Camden, N. J., at 10 A. M. 

The Hon. William Parry in the chair. 

The minutes of the .last meeting 1 were read and approved. 

Freedom C. Lippincott, Esq., of Marlton, Burlington county, was 
elected a member, and reported his "mark." 

Daniel L. Pine, Esq., of Camden, Camden county, was elected a 
member, and reported his "mark." 

Samuel P. Chew, Esq., read a lengthy and interesting paper upon 
the differences of the magnetic needle, as used in practical survey- 
ing ; discussing the question in an able and exhaustive manner; 
also, suggesting many advantageous changes in the mode of manu- 
facture and use. 

The thanks of the meeting were extended to him. 

The Secretary reported the printing of the "Proceedings" to this 
time, Which same were distributed among the members. 

William Haines and B irclay White, were each appointed to pre- 
pare and read before the Society at the next meeting, a paper touch- 
ing the early settlements of the neighborhood wherein they reside. 

The committee to procure a suitable room for the meetings of the 
Society, reported progress, and was continued. 

Adjourned. 

John Clement, 

Secretary. 



80 



Meeting of Surveyors, 



January 4, 1870. 

The annual meeting of the Association of Practical Surveyors of 
West New Jersey was held on this day, at the West Jersey 
Hotel, Camden, N. J. The Hon. William Parry, President, in the 
chair. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

James Wills, Esq., of M.irlton, Burlington County, was elected 
a member. 

J>hn Girdiner, Esq., of Mount Lnurel, Burlington County, was 
elected a member. 

Jacob H. Yocum, Esq., of Camden, Camden County, was elected 
a member. 

The Treasurer, Clayton Lippincott, Esq., submitted his report, 
which was read and ordered to be filed. 

B irclay White, Esq , read an interesting and valuable paper upon 
the Early Settlements of Springfield Township, Burlington County, 
N. J., which was ordered to be published. 

The thanks of the Society were extended to him. 

On motion it was resolved that the next stated meeting of the 
Society be held at Davis ' Hotel, Mount Holly, Burlington County, 
N. J., (August 9th,) and that each Practical Surveyor have there 
his compass, to be tested upon the points of the True Meridian, 
established according to law at that place. 

William Haines, Esq., submitted and read his observations on the 
effect of the Aurora ±:orealis upon the magnetic needle on the 
morning of the third inst., which paper w as ordered to be filed and 
published. The thanks of the Society were extended to him. 

" During the time of the Aurora, which occurred on the morning 
of the third day of the Eirst month, 1870, the mercury standing at 
31 i degrees, the evening previous having been marktd by a very 
strong wind from the southwest, the following observations were 



81 

taken by William Haines, Practical Surveyor, at "Cedar Lawn 
Farm," near Clarksborn, Gloucester County, N. J., viz: 

The bearing of a certain object at a time when the Aurora was 
very vivid in the northwest 

At u.30 A. M. was N. 30 degrees 32 minutes W. 



" 6.30 


do. 


4; 


X. 


31 


" 7.25 


do. 


(< 


N. 


32 


" 8.30 


do. 


a 


N. 


32 


" 9.40 


do. 


it 


N. 


32 


" 10.40 


do. 


u 


N. 


32 


"11.40 


do. 


■ ( 


N. 


32 


" 12.00 


noon 









30 


<i 


VY. 


43 


(c 


W. 


40 


it 


w. 


32 


a 


w. 


20 


a 


w. 


20 


a 


w. 


station a 


ry. 



Greatest variation 2 degrees 10 minutes. 

Real departure 5 degrees 48 minutes. 

At the time of my first observation, the Aurora was more flush 
than at any subsequent period ; the needle being at that time more 
affected, and drawn from its true position, than afterwards. I did 
not observe any quick starts, or tremulous motion of the needle, 
during the time of observation. The variation being a regular and 
easy one. The needle becoming stationary at 10.40 A. M., and 
remaining so at 12 o'clock, noon; I did not make any further 
observation. The day was clear, with a gentle breeze from the 
southwest." 

WILLIAM HAINES. 

"By observation made on the true meridian line, at Woodbury, 
N. J., on the last day of the year, 1869, at the hour of 3.30 P. M., 
and a clear sky, with my surveying compass, in the presence of 
Josiah S. Franklin, County Clerk, the magnetic bearing of the 
needle was 4 degrees 46 minutes west of north ; being two minutes 
less than it was in 1865. It seems therefore that the westerly 
variation is stayed, and rather receding." 

WM. HAINES. 



6* 



82 

On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary have another edition of 
the proceedings prepared and printed, and have the same ready for 
distribution at the next meeting. 

On motion, the Treasurer was ordered to assess the sum of one 
dollar upon each member to defray the expense of the printing 
aforesaid. 

James Lippineott, Esq., was requested to prepare and read, at the 
next meeting, a paper upon the proper length of the Surveyor's 
chain, and its general use. 

This being the day for the election of officers to serve for the 
ensuing year, the following named persons were chosen : 

President— Hon. William Parry. 

Vice Presidents— Simeon Cook, Wm. House, William Arratt. 

Standing Committee— Ezra Stokes, Barclay White. 

Secretary— John Clement. 



83 



A PAPER 

Read before the Association of Practical Surveyors of West New 
Jersey, Jan. 4th, 1870. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, 
BURLINGTON COUNTY, N. J. 

BY BARCLAY WHITE. 

The Township of Springfield, in Burlington County, N. J., retains 
its original boundaries as incorporated in 1798. 

The name by some is supposed to he derived from copious springs, 
which are variously located in different parts of the Township. 
Others with more probability, believe it was given as a remi- 
niscence of some recent home— one authority states, it was so 
called by a company of settlers who removed from Springfield in 
Connecticut — however this may be we find the name in location 
deeds, as eaily as the year 1083. 

In shape the Township is triangular, the northerly boundary, in 
length about ten miles, is marked by the .Assiscunck Creek; the re- 
maining sides are respectively seven and nine miles long; it contains 
eighteen thousand acres of alluvial soil, which for agricultural pur- 
poses may be classed as of first quality, comparing favorably for 
such use, with any other equal area in the State. 

Assiscunck, Annaricken and Barkers creeks with their tributaries, 
radiate over its territory; along the valleys of these are broad 
natural meadows, of exceedi g fertility, which, by supporting 
large herds of cattle, have enabled their owners to keep the slightly 
undulating upland between them, iri the highest state of fertility, 
growing thereon the cereals in great perfection. 
It is in fact "a goodlie country," inhabited by an honest and intelli- 
gent people, many of whom now cultivate, with increasing fertility 
and profit, the same acres their ancestors purchased from the Coun- 
cil of Proprietors, nearly two hundred years ago. 

Within the Township, and near its southerly boundary is a range 
of hills, having an elevation of about two hundred feet above the 
level of the sea, vvliich, in consequence of the level surface of the 
surrounding country are dignified with the title of Mounts. These 
hills contain large quantities of sandstone, and furnish the only 
supply of stone, for building or other purposes, to an extensive 
region around them. This range, is a portion of a series of de- 
tached hills extending across the State, which have been much 



84 

used for telegraphic communication between the cities of Philadel- 
phia and New York ; first, by means of colored rockets, and more 
recently, up to the time of the construction of a magnetic telegraph 
between those cities, by movable signal arms, placed on the top of 
high wooden towers. 

In 12th month 1087, Svmon Charles, Deputy Surveyor, made 
return for Robert Stacy, of three hundred acres, lying and being at 
Onanickon, in the County of Burlington, adjoining lands of Matthew 
Champion, John Schooley and Thomas Shinn ; this tract was con- 
veyed by John Stacy, son and heir at law of Robert Stacy, May 
19th, 1697, to John Schooley, Jr., who had previously by location, 
and purchase from Ralph Trenoworth, Katharine, widow of Wil- 
liam Bard, and William Bustill, of portions or all of their several 
adjacent locations, became possessed of 476 acres. l T pon a re-^urvey 
sixty years afterwards, there were found within the ancient boun- 
daries of this tract, a surplus of 139 acres, making in all 615 acres; 
upon the northerly portion of which he built a large house with 
adobes or unburnt brick walls. This house stood near the present 
farm buildings of Howard White; it was known by the title of 
" the mud house," and was destroyed by fire many years since. 

The northerly portion of this tract, although frequently conveyed 
by deed, has since remained in the descendants of John Schooley, 
and for nearly one hundred years has been rented, it having been 
owned by women, who have resided with their husbands off the 
premises. 

Jol n Stacy, after selling the above mentioned tract, probably re- 
moved to Maryland, as we find by the records of Thirdhaven 
Monthly Meeting in said State, tl at in 1698, "This n eeting desires 
that John Stacy may be agreed to cover this Meeting house, and 
John Pemberton has promised 300 30d nails and 1000 received, and 
40ii0 108, and Thomas Edmundson has promised to give timber to 
cover it." 

And by another minute "John Stacy having covered and ceiled 
our great meeting house, there is due unto him 2500 pounds of 
tobacco, which is to be paid as follows," &c. 

John Schooley, Jr., son of John St hooley of Hawsworth Wood- 
house, Paush of Handsworth, County of York, England, was an 
Elder among Friends, he married 2 mo. 25, 1711, Francis, daughter 
of Samuel and Susannah Taylor, of Door, County of Derby, Eng- 
land, and widow of Joseph Nicholson, and died in the early part of 
the year 1735, leaving sons, John, Samuel, Jonathan and Thomas, 
and six daughters. Samuel inherited the southerly part and Jona- 
than the remainder of the homestead farm. The partition line 
terminating on the north side of " the old weaver's hill," the same 
point mentioned in the location deed 1665, as near the house of 



85 

" the old weaver under the hill." This old weaver appears to have 
been John Ewan, and the very ancient brick house in Juliustown, 
now belonging to heirs of Jonathan R. Oliver was on his farm, and 
was probably erected by himself or son Julius. 

Children of John and Francis Schooley. 

Susannah married Michael Newbold, 2 mo. 15, 1730. 

John married 1743 Rachel, daughter of Samuel, the son of Joshua 
Wright; he inherited from his father the farm near Plattsburg, late 
the property of John Pancoast, deceased. His daughter Fanny, 
married John Leonard, who joining the Royalists during the 
Revolutionary War, the farm was confiscated. 

Samuel sold his portion of the homestead farm, and removed to 
Schooley's mountain, in the upper part of the State; from thence 
the family removed to near Harper's Ferry, Viginia, and finally 
to Ohio. 

Jonathan, in 1751), married Mary, daughter of John Wright, of 
Wrightstown. 

Thomas died young. 

Rebecca married Joseph, son of John Wright. 

Sarah married Joseph Horner, of Princeton. 

Isabel married Ridgway. 

Mary married, 1st, Jonathan Barton ; 2nd, Thomas Black. By 
these husbands she had Jonathan Barton and John Black, both 
posthumous children ; and afterwards married, 3rd, Samuel, son of 
John Wright, of Wrightstown, by whom there was no issue, but 
who had by a previous marriage, John, Caleb and Mary Wright. 
Caleb was the father of the late Samuel G. Wright. Mary was a 
minister among Friends, and married Henry Ridgway. 

Ann Schooley born 169), and daughter of the first wife Rebecca, 
married Scattergood. 

Thomas Black and Samuel Black were sons John, whose father, 
William, emigrated from England. 



86 



MICHAKL AND SUSANNAH NEWBOLD's CHILDREN. 

1. Anna married Anthony Taylor : Children— Michael, Anthony, 
Robert, Sarah, Mary and Ann ; the two latter married Thomas 
Newbold. 

2. John married Mary Cole ; children— Samuel ; Ann married 
Daniel Oftiey ; Rachel married Daniel Newbold; Mary married 
Reeve. 

8. Rebecca married Thomas Earl ; children — Michael, Thomas, 
John and Clayton. 

Clayton, married Mary Foster; children— William, Clayton, 
George, John ; Rebecca married Richardson ; Charlotte married 
VVister ; Susan and Elizabeth. 

5. Joseph, 

6. Mary married Robert Emley ; children= John ; married 
Olden ; married Horner. 

7. Susan married Samuel Hough ; children — Susan married 
Nathan Trotter, Ann married Joseph Trotter, Mary married Sam- 
uel Newbold, Jonathan married Jane C. Laccy. Joseph, Elizabeth, 
and Charlotte. 

In 1693, John Renshavv located two hundred and forty-four acres 
of land, adjoining south-westwardly, the lastdecribed tract of John 
Schooley; he conveyed the same, June 25, 1695, to John Euan, 
who was by trade a weaver, and settled upon this purchase, on the 
25th day of June, 1731, he conveyed the same to his son, Julius 
Ewan, from whom Juliustown, the most flourishing village in the 
Township, derives its name, this tract includes the site of the vil- 
lage of Juliustown or Houghton, and " the old weaver's hill,'' and 
joins Thomas Budd's survey of 10!):) on " Mount Pisgah," which is 
the most easterly hill in this Springfield range, and the Northerly 
point of Budd's survey. 

From various deeds of property here, drawn by Wm. Dillwyn in 
IT , we learn that the village " is now called, and hereafter is to 
be known by the name of Houghton," but the new title, although 
more appropriate, does not appear to have bi en generally adopted 
and probably few of the present residents of Juliustown, have ever 
heard of the name as applied to their village. 

Among the past notables of Juliustown, maybe mentioned Susey 
Toole, a reputed witch, whose residence was to be avoided by the 
timid after nightfall, and John Williams, an Englishman, general- 
ly known as " Preceptor," who has left a curious diary of notice- 



87 

able events of his day, among which is found this entry, "April 
24, 1819, evacuated the school house near Juliustown, having pre- 
sided in it more than thirty-two years." 

The pretty country seat in Houghton, late of Jacob T. Bunting, 
dec'd, was in 17G8 the property and the former dwelling house, 
burned many years ago, the residence of William Dillwyn, brother 
of George Dillwyn an eminent minister among Friends, and the 
birthplace of his only child Susan, who afterwards married Samuel 
Emlen. William Dillwyn's sister Ann married John Cox of Bur- 
lington, their daughter Susan mariied Dr. Joseph Parish of Phila- 
delphia. 

Westward along the Township line, we find that John Tatham, 
Jr., Gent, by Deed dated Jan. 1st, 1711, conveyed to Thomas Hough 
050 acres, being at a place called cr known as Oneanickon, the said 
John Tatham, Jr., inherited the same as son and heir at law of 
John Tatham of Burlington, this tract appears to have been located 
as follows : 25 acres by George Hutchinson, 300 acres by Benjamin 
Antrobus, 100 acres by Edward Boulton and the balance by the 
said John Tatham. By a re-survey made by Thomas Scattergood, 
Deputy Surveyor, September 1st, 1720, said survey fell short of the 
original quantity thirty-nine acres. 

" On ye fourthe day of ye eleventh month commonly called Jan- 
uary, 1721, Samuel Shinn, cord wainer, conveyed to Thomas Hough, 
120 acres adjoining the aforesaid lands of said Hough, it being a 
portion of 200 acres that Thomas Shinn, father of said Samuel, pur- 
chased of Benjamin Wheat, the 1-lth of December, 1087. Mary, 
the widow of Thomas Shinn, afterwards married Silas Crispin. — 
Most of the above mentioned tracts of land Thomas Hough gave 
to his grandson, Daniel Hough, by will dated November 19, 1730. 

On the thirtieth day of July 1743, Jonathan Hough, son of the 
aforesaid Daniel Hough, leased for a term of fifty years to Caleb 
Shreve, John West, Michael Atkinson, Joseph Lamb, Julius Evvan, 
Jacob Shinn, Abraham Merritt, James Langstaff, Yeoman and 
Benjamin Carter, and Isaac Cowgill, planters, one acre of land, for 
the use of a school house near the improvementsof Nathan Wilson, 
at the crossing of the great road leading from Bridgeton to the now 
dwelling house of the said Jonathan Hough, with the road that 
leads from John West's gate to Hanover road, they paying there- 
fore a yearly rent of one penny if demanded ; this acre lay at the 
N. E. end of Caleb Shreve's Mount. 

On the 3d day of 8th mo. 1743, =undry Friends belonging to the 
upper part of Mount Holly Meeting, made application in writing 
to Burlington Monthly Meeting, for liberty to hold a meeting for 
worship on the first day of each week during the winter season, at 
a school house standing near Caleb Shreve's Mount, which the 



88 

meeting took under consideration, and at the next meeting did 
consent that they hold a meeting according to their request, com- 
mencing from the beginning of 10th month. The meeting con- 
tinued to be reputably attended, and in 177G a preparative meeting 
was established. At this time it numbered in members, adults, 
•33; minors, 51 ; total, 104. 

This meeting and school house was constructed by logs. Eph- 
raim Tomlinson in his journal says :— "On the 20th day of 6th mo., 
1771, I was at the marriage of my son-in-law, John Gardiner, at 
the log meeting house, hard by Julytown." 

2d mo., 13, 177"), Jonathan Hough, Jr., conveyed to "Daniel D. 
Smith, Samuel Shinn, Samuel Allinson, John Comfort, P^ter 
Ellis, Edward Black, and John llilliard, the survivor or survivors 
of them, in trust, 1 A. 2 R. 25 P. of land, to and for the purpose of 
building a meeting house thereon, for the people called Quakers, 
and for a place to bury their dead." During 1776 a stone meeting 
house was erected thereon. 

2d mo., 17, 1800, the wooden portion of this building was mostly 
consumed by fire. It occurred in the day time, and when there 
was much snow on the ground. The lower floor was saved from 
burning by throwing snow upon it. 

In 1809, during the night following the funeral of Mary Hough, 
wife of Jonathan Hough, the building was again burned, This 
time the walls alone were unconsumed and remainded of sufficient 
strength to support the present structure which was soon erected. 

In the 5th mo., 1689, John Day, Yeoman, of the County ot Bur- 
lington, did lay forth and survey in the Township of Springfield 
353 acres of land lying northward of and adjoining the ubove men- 
tioned 300 A., surveyed to Benjamin Antrobus, and, after reserving 
therefrom six acres of meadow, in 1698 conveyed the remainder for 
300 A. to Joseph English. Upon a re-survey, the boundaries de- 
scribed in the deed of location, were found to contain 431 acres, 
a portion of which was conveyed by Samuel Black, son of John 
Black, to Win. Fox. This is now the property of Stacy B. Lippin- 
cott, and is still Known as the Fox place. The remainder was 
conveyed in 1747 by John Robert Arthur, of Wales, in Great Brit- 
ian, to Charles Read, then Secretary of the Province, who gave to 
it the title of "Sharon," and conveyed it by that name in 1750 
to Daniel Doughty, in whose descendant it still remains. 

A red cedar post, set in by said Read, in 1749, to mark one of the 
corners of Sharon, and having upon it 'lis initia's, and the date is 
still standing in a good state of preservation. 

Daniel was the son of Jacob Doughty, a minister among Friends, 
whose residence was in Hunterdon Co., N. J. He was one of four- 
teen children of whom two only were sons. In 1729 he married 






89 

Ann, daughter of John and Mercy Stevenson, and grand daughter 
of Samuel Jennings, the first Governor of the Province. 

Ann Doughty and three children died between the 9th and 24th 
of 7th mo., 1742. The surviving child, Mary, married Win. Lovet 
Smith, in or about the year 1749. At their wedding, held at the 
house (now demolished) lately occupied by Caleb Newbold. deed., 
among other guests, appeared Governor Belcher in a carriage. — 
Tradition informs us that this was the first carriage ever seen in 
the Township. 

Samuel Jennings left three daughters. Sarah, the eldest, in 1699, 
married Edward Pennington youngest son of Isaac Pennington 
the younger, and half brother of Gulielma Springett, wile of Wm. 
Penn. Edward was Surveyor General of the Province of Penna ; 
he died in Philadelphia two years after his marriage, leaving one 
son Isaac. Anne Jennings married William Stevenson. These 
sisters appear to have narried at the same time. Mercy, the 
youngest daughter, in 1706 married John Stevenson, and in — 
Thomas Stevenson married Sarah, widow of Edward Pennington. 
The three Stevensons were brothers, and emigrated in the same 
vessel that brought over Samuel Jennings and family. 

In 1684 Godfrey Hancock located 200 acres, adjoining John Day, 
westwardly, beginning at a stake set up in a meadow, at the head 
of one of the branches of Birch Creek, and running thence N. W. 
by W. 42ch. to a white oak for a corner, at the foot of a Mount. — 
1st. mo. 1st, 1685, he conveyed the same to Wm. Salloway, Mer- 
chant of Philadelphia. This tract was afterwards known as "Sal- 
loway's Neck" and passed through various hands, up to Nov. 2, 
1753, when William West conveyed it, with 50 A., added by a 
resurvey, to Win. Lovet Smith, Merchant of Burlington, who then 
gave it the name of " Bramham," from Bramham in Yorkshire, 
England, whence his ancestors emigrated. Several members of 
this family having long held positions of trust in the province, it 
may be interesting to give here a short account of them. 

Richard Smith was baptized 18th of May, 1593, at Bramham, 
Yorkshire, England, and was buried 19th of Nov. 1647. His son 
Richard was baptized Oct. 15, 1626, was a Physician, and became a 
preacher among friends. He was married to Ann Yates at York, 
England, Feb. 25th, 1653. Their residence was near Bramham. Of 
their twelve children, five sons, viz. : John, Daniel, Joseph, Eman- 
uel and Richard, and one daughter, Deborah, emigrated in or 
about the year 1677 John died at sea ; the others settled at Bur- 
lington, N. J. One other son, Samuel, left England in 1690, and 
located in Bucks County Pa., but afterwards removed to Burlington. 

Samuel died in 1718, being at the time one of the members of 
Assembly for Burlington. 



Daniel served many years faithfully in Assembly and died 1742. 
His wife was Mary, daughter of Robert and Ann Murfin. "She 
was found drowned with her horse in the year 17.'5!>, near the long 
bridge in the Northern liberties, Philadelphia, supposed to have 
occurred in attempting to give her horse water, where it was very 
deep. That wis then the direct and only road to Philadelphia." 

Her sister, Johanna, married John Sykes who while a boy, 
emigrated with his father, Samuel, and grand father, John Sykes. 
The latter died soon after landing, being very aged. 

John Sykes the younger, died 10 mo., 1771, aged 90. He was the 
father of Anthony whose son Thomas, was the father of the 
present Georjre Sykes. 

Mary Smith, Johanna Sykes and John Sykes have each left short 
but interesting narratives of their moving to this country. The 
first may be found in Watson's Annals of Philadelphia ; the latter 
in the original, are in the posse sion of George Sykes. 

Richard was twelve years one of the Council, and died in 1750. 

Richard Smith son of Samuel, was elected a member of the As- 
sembly for Burlington, in 1730, and died while that body was in 
ses ion at Am boy, Nov. 9. 1751, having represented Burlington in 
Assembly twenty years. 

Dr. Franklin's paper, the Pennsylvania Gazette of Nov. 21, 1751, 
says: 

" Last week died Richard Smith, Esq., of Burlington N. J, and 
was buried in Friend's burial ground in that city, in whom, the 
character of a generous good-natured, hospitable man, true patriot, 
and good christain, were so truly blended, that he lived beloved, 
and esteemed by all who knew him, and his death is lamented as a 
public loss by the people of that province." 

One of his descendan s in a letter to a triend I since published i 
says : 

" Richard Smith carried on an extensive eomuur.-e from the old 
city of Burlington, in \essels built by himself, some of his sons act- 
ed for him as super-cargoes to the West Indies, &c. In front of the 
late Bishop Doane's residence on Green Bank, are the remains of 
an old wharf, from which probably went all the produce then ship- 
ped f.om Burlington, to distant parts. This wharf was Richard's, 
there his ships were built, and from it in one of his vessels his son 
John, sailed as super-cargo in 1741. at the early age of 1!), having a 
mind, as he says, to see the Island of Barbadoes, and to know the 
manner of living at sea, and to survey the wonders of the Lord in 
the deep, and having my Fathers consen' so to do." 

Richard Smith married Abigail Raper, 8 mo. 211th, 1719. Samuel 
their eldest son was author of that valuable and standard work, 
Smith's history of New Jersev. 



91 

John the second son, married Hannah daughter of James Logan, 
the well known friend, and most trusted counsellor and representa- 
tive of Wm. Penn and was made a member of Assembly for Phil- 
adelphia, in 17")0, when twenty-eight years old, contrary to his ex- 
pressed wishes, which led him towards the quiet of private life. 

Having accumulated a competency by commerce from Philadel- 
phia, he retired t ; his paternal property at Burlington, and pur- 
chased of Gov. Franklin for a country seat, Franklin Park with its 
tenants of deer, situated near the now village of Rancocas. 

Eliza, married Wm. Dillwyn a merchant of Burlington. 

William Lovet Smith, the third son of Richard, married Mary 
surviving child of Daniel Doughty, was a merchant at Burlington, 
afterwards settled at Bra m ham in Springfield as before mentioned. 
Other children of Richard Smith died in minority, and Richard 
married and settled in Burlington. 

William Lovet Smith during the latter part of his life, built on 
the southerly portion of B ram ham, that building long known as the 
"Redhouse," which was destroyed by fire some twenty years since, 
there he died in 1794, leaving children. Daniel Doughty married 
Elizabeth Schooley ; Samuel, married Abigail Schooley; Anne, 
married John Gill, Sr., of Haddontield. Abigail, married John 
Earl ; Mary married Brazilla Burr ; William Lovit married Eliza 
daughter of Gen. John Lacey. 

Bra m ham is still owned by a descendant of William L. Smith. 

John Osborne located 300 A, adjoining Godfrey Hancock, and 
John Day's surveys, about 1(594; and January 13, 1699, sold the 
same to Eleazer Fen ton, whose widow Elizabeth afterwards 
married Samuel Goldy, and conveyed said tract to Thomas Bran- 
son, by deed dated January 29, 1707. 

By record in Revel's book of surveys remaining in the Secretary 
of State's office, in Trenton, we find there was surveyed for William 
Biddle, at Oneaoickon 8 mo. 1686, 270 A of land, and in 4 mo. 1689, 
one tract of 230 A. and two other tracts containing together 323 A, 
making altogether 823 acres, adjoining lands of Hannaniah Gauntt, 
John Days, Peter Harvey, Charles Read, Samuel Barker, Daniel 
Leeds, Michael Buffin, John Browne, and John Shinn. 

William Biddle is included in Smith's list of settlers from Eng- 
land, who arrived at Burlington about the year 1678. He made 
several locations of land in different parts of the County of Bur- 
lington, including Biddle's Island in the Delaware River. His 
selection of land was marked with much judgment, generally 
proving to be among the best. 



92 

Burlington Quarterly Meeting when first set up in 1682, was held 
at the house of William Biddle, and so continued until 1711, when 
it was held alternately at the meeting houses in Burlington and 
Chesterfield. 



"Oneaniken" referred to in several of the above locations, was 
evidently an Indian village, but I have been unable to ascertain 
with certainty its position, other locations beside these, extending 
some five miles, mention the name, which is variously spelled, but 
no doubt all refer to the same place. 

There has been, an Indian village on the Sandy ridgeof land now 
owned by John Chambers, about half a mile south-east of Julius- 
town, its name has passed into oblivion, but its position could be 
distinctly traced a few years ago, when not covered by timber. 
Adjourned. 



LRpFe'15 



